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BBQ Chicken Salad


  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (canned, fresh, or frozen and thawed)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Dressing

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Optional Toppings

  • 1/4 cup tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  3. Add Barbecue Sauce: Brush barbecue sauce onto the chicken during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
  4. Slice the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.

Assemble the Salad

  1. Layer the Greens: Start with romaine and spinach as the base in a large bowl or individual plates.
  2. Add Veggies: Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, black beans, corn, and avocado.
  3. Include Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  4. Place the Chicken: Add the sliced barbecue chicken on top of the salad.

Make the Dressing

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and lime juice until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad, or serve it on the side.

Add Toppings

  1. Finish with Crunch: Sprinkle tortilla strips over the salad.
  2. Garnish: Add fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra flavor and a pop of color.
  • Prep Time: 15 min.
  • Cook Time: 20 min.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 generous portions
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g