Description
A healthy and flavorful chopped salad featuring tender BBQ-coated chicken, fresh greens, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and a creamy homemade BBQ ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- For the BBQ Chicken:
- 12 oz cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 0.25 cup BBQ sauce
- For the Salad:
- 6-8 cups fresh greens (romaine, mixed greens, kale)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- 0.25 cup diced red onion (or green onion)
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, minced (optional)
- For the BBQ Ranch Dressing:
- 0.66 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill)
- 0.125 tsp garlic powder
- 0.125 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- First, prepare your BBQ chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked, shredded or cubed chicken with 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure all chicken pieces are well coated. Add more BBQ sauce if a stronger flavor is desired.
- Next, assemble the BBQ Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, 2-3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined. You can also use a blender or food processor for a creamier texture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare your salad components: Chop your fresh greens, drain and rinse the black beans and corn, halve the grape tomatoes, dice the avocado, and thinly slice the red onion. Mince fresh cilantro if using.
- In a large salad bowl, layer your fresh greens. Arrange the BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, halved tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced red onion, and minced cilantro (if using) artfully over the greens.
- Just before serving, drizzle the prepared BBQ Ranch Dressing generously over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately, offering extra dressing on the side if desired. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and assembled just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantities to taste for desired flavor intensity.
- Cilantro is optional but adds a fresh, herbaceous note.