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BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe

4.4 from 116 reviews

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad combines smoky BBQ chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado, all tossed in a flavorful ranch and BBQ sauce dressing. It’s a vibrant, hearty salad perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, offering a balance of textures and bold tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced BBQ Chicken
  • 1 head romaine lettuce (or 2 hearts of romaine)
  • 1 cup black beans (prepared, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup pico de Gallo
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup french fried onions

Dressing & Sauce

  • ¼ cup Ranch dressing (or more to taste)
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce (or more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it evenly in the base of a large salad bowl, ensuring a fresh and crisp foundation for the salad.
  2. Assemble the toppings: Layer the diced BBQ chicken evenly over the lettuce, then add the black beans, pico de gallo, diced cucumber, and sliced avocado to create a colorful, textured mix.
  3. Add cheese and crunch: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and french fried onions over the assembled salad to add melty richness and a satisfying crunch.
  4. Dress the salad: Drizzle the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce over the top in your preferred amounts to infuse the salad with creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors. Toss gently if desired, or serve as is.

Notes

  • You can substitute romaine lettuce with mixed greens for a different texture.
  • Use a low-sodium BBQ sauce and ranch to make the salad heart-healthier.
  • For added protein, grill extra chicken or add boiled eggs.
  • French fried onions provide crunch but can be omitted for a lighter option.
  • Prep beans and pico de gallo in advance to save time.

Keywords: BBQ chicken salad, ranch chicken salad, easy chicken salad, summer salad, BBQ salad