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
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Add Barbecue Sauce: Brush barbecue sauce onto the chicken during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Slice the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
Assemble the Salad
- Layer the Greens: Start with romaine and spinach as the base in a large bowl or individual plates.
- Add Veggies: Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, black beans, corn, and avocado.
- Include Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Place the Chicken: Add the sliced barbecue chicken on top of the salad.
Make the Dressing
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and lime juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad, or serve it on the side.
Add Toppings
- Finish with Crunch: Sprinkle tortilla strips over the salad.
- 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