Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad

$To make a tasty Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients build a salad full of flavor and texture. The chicken adds protein, while the greens give freshness. You can modify this salad to fit your taste. Try adding: - Avocado for creaminess - Jalapeños for heat - Black beans for extra protein - Croutons for crunch Feel free to mix and match. Each addition can make your salad unique and exciting! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by shredding your cooked chicken breast. I like to use leftover chicken for this. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour in the barbecue sauce. Mix well to coat every piece. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the sauce. Next, grab a large serving bowl. Begin with the mixed salad greens. I love a mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula for this salad. They add great color and texture. Now, layer the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and diced red bell pepper on top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced red onion over the salad. After the chicken has marinated, it's time to add it on top. Spread it evenly across the salad. Drizzle ranch dressing over the whole salad. Use as much or as little as you like. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss the salad to mix everything. If you want a pretty look, serve it as a composed salad. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of flavor. Enjoy your colorful and tasty barbecue ranch chicken salad! To boost the taste of your Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad, use smoked barbecue sauce. The smoky notes add depth. You can also mix in some spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. Adding fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, brightens the dish. A squeeze of lime juice gives it a fresh zing. For a crunchy texture, add toasted nuts or seeds. Sunflower seeds or sliced almonds work well. If you like it creamy, mix in avocado. It adds richness and makes the salad more filling. Use fresh corn instead of canned for a crisp bite. To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred it quickly for easy prep. Chop your veggies in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes assembly fast. You can also buy pre-washed salad greens. This cuts down on washing and drying time. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shredded chicken to marinate in barbecue sauce for at least 10 minutes to enhance its flavor before adding it to the salad. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor. If possible, opt for fresh corn instead of canned for added sweetness. Customize Your Dressings: Feel free to mix the barbecue sauce and ranch dressing to create a unique flavor, or try different dressings like a creamy avocado or cilantro lime dressing. Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients rather than tossing them. This makes for a stunning display that’s perfect for serving guests. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, you have many options. You can use grilled shrimp or diced turkey instead of chicken. Both choices add great flavor. For a lighter option, try poached salmon. It brings a nice taste and pairs well with the dressings. Tofu is another great choice for a plant-based twist. Just make sure to marinate it to boost the flavor. To make this salad vegan, swap out the chicken for chickpeas or black beans. They add protein and texture. Use a vegan barbecue sauce and ranch dressing to keep it plant-based. You can also add avocado for creaminess. For a vegetarian option, you can keep the chicken but use a dairy-free cheese. This keeps the dish flavorful while meeting dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with dressings. Instead of ranch, try blue cheese or a honey mustard dressing. Both will change the flavor and make it unique. If you want a spicier kick, mix in some sriracha with the ranch. For toppings, consider adding crispy bacon bits or sunflower seeds. These add crunch and extra flavor. Don't hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill for a fresh twist. Store leftover Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you can, separate the dressing from the salad. This prevents sogginess. For long-term storage, you can freeze the chicken salad. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Use it within three months for the best taste. When freezing, leave out the greens and dressing. Add those fresh when you are ready to eat. To reheat the chicken, warm it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat it for one to two minutes. Check to make sure it is hot all the way through. If you froze the salad, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Always serve the salad cold, as heating the greens can change their texture. Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with barbecue sauce. This will make it juicy and tasty. Yes, this salad can be gluten-free. Just check the barbecue sauce and ranch dressing labels. Some brands add gluten ingredients. Choose gluten-free options to keep it safe. You can prepare the salad ahead. Keep the chicken and salad separate. Mix them together when ready to serve. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp. Add the dressing just before serving for the best taste. This blog post covered all you need for a tasty chicken salad. We explored the right ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Customizing the recipe lets you make it your own. You can try different proteins, vegan options, or dressings. Also, we shared how to store and reheat the salad safely. Now, you have the tools to create a flavorful dish anytime. Enjoy making this salad your own!$

Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad

A delicious and refreshing salad featuring shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy barbecue ranch dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 each red bell pepper, diced
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup barbecue sauce
0.5 cup ranch dressing
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the salad base. In a large serving bowl, add the mixed salad greens as a bed.
Layer the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced red bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced red onion over the greens.
After the chicken has marinated, distribute it evenly on top of the salad.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the entire salad, using as much or as little as desired.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, or serve it as a composed salad for a beautiful presentation.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

For added flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if time permits.

Keyword barbecue, chicken, healthy, ranch, salad