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To make BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, gather these items: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie or grilled) - 4 cups mixed greens (a blend of romaine, spinach, and arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (freshly cooked or drained from a can) - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1/3 cup ranch dressing - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Tortilla strips for an extra crunch This salad is not just tasty; it’s also good for you. Each serving contains: - Calories: About 400 - Protein: 30 grams - Carbohydrates: 30 grams - Fiber: 4 grams - Fat: 18 grams You get a nice balance of protein and greens. The mix of toppings adds fiber and vitamins too. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s what to look for: - Chicken: Buy rotisserie chicken if you want quick prep. For raw, choose organic chicken breasts. - Greens: Look for vibrant colors and crisp leaves. Avoid any that are wilted or brown. - Tomatoes: Pick bright, firm cherry tomatoes. Squeeze them gently; they should feel slightly soft but not mushy. - Corn: If using fresh corn, choose ears that feel heavy and tight. For canned, pick low-sodium options. - Onion: Select small, firm red onions. They should feel heavy for their size. - Cheese and Cilantro: Buy fresh cheese and herbs. They should smell fresh and look bright. Using fresh ingredients ensures your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is delicious and healthy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. To start, gather your chicken. If you have rotisserie chicken, shred it using two forks. This makes it easy to get bite-sized pieces. If you prefer raw chicken, grill or bake it until it's fully cooked. Let it cool a bit before shredding. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Next, take a large bowl and add the shredded chicken. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce. Toss the chicken well so that every piece is covered in that tasty sauce. This step adds a smoky flavor that makes the salad special. Set the coated chicken aside. Letting it sit helps the flavors mix. Now it's time to build your salad! Grab a big salad bowl and lay down the mixed greens first. This is the base of your dish. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cheddar cheese. These fresh veggies make the salad colorful and crunchy. Gently fold in the BBQ-coated chicken, spreading it evenly throughout the salad. Drizzle the ranch dressing on top, ensuring it covers as much as possible. This adds creaminess that pairs well with the BBQ flavor. Lastly, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together carefully. Just before serving, add tortilla strips on top for that extra crunch. For a full guide, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! To make your dressing pop, mix ranch with BBQ sauce. This blend adds a smoky twist. Start with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce for a subtle flavor. Taste it, then add more if you want. This combo works great with the chicken and veggies. Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad as a main dish or a side. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for an extra crunch. You can also add a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade, to balance the flavors. Presentation matters! Use big, colorful bowls for a vibrant look. Layer the salad for a feast for the eyes. Top with extra cilantro and tortilla strips for crunch. For a zesty touch, place a lime wedge on the side. Guests can squeeze it over their salad for a bright burst of flavor. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. Instead of chicken, use grilled vegetables. Great choices include zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Grill them until tender and slightly charred. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them with the salad. This adds a smoky flavor and keeps the salad colorful and healthy. For a gluten-free twist, make sure to choose gluten-free BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Many brands offer these options now. You can also skip the tortilla strips or use gluten-free versions. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad without worrying about gluten. While BBQ and ranch work well together, feel free to experiment with other dressings. Try a honey mustard dressing for sweetness or a vinaigrette for a tangy taste. You can even mix ranch with a bit of hot sauce for some heat! Each dressing will change the flavor profile and keep your salad fresh and exciting. For more details on the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Store any leftover BBQ ranch chicken salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. If you see any browning or wilting, toss that part out. To keep the salad crisp, store the dressing separately. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The greens and veggies will become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken. Shred it, mix with BBQ sauce, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you are ready to use it. If you want to reheat the chicken, use the microwave. Place it in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Stir it often to heat evenly. After reheating, mix it back into the salad. Just remember, fresh greens do not need reheating! Enjoy your meal cold for the best taste. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare the salad without dressing. Store the mixed greens and veggies in a bowl. Keep the BBQ chicken and dressing separate. When you are ready to eat, mix it all together. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp. You can add many tasty things to the salad. Here are some ideas: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Black beans for protein and fiber - Bell peppers for extra crunch and color - Cucumber slices for a refreshing bite - Apple slices for a sweet twist - Bacon bits for a smoky flavor Feel free to mix and match! To keep your salad fresh: - Store it in an airtight container. - Keep the dressing separate until serving. - Use fresh greens and veggies. - Don’t add heavy toppings until you serve it. These tips help maintain flavor and texture. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covered all you need for a BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. We explored essential ingredients, their nutrition, and tips for freshness. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and assembly. We talked about flavor tips, serving ideas, and fun variations. Storage methods and answers to common questions were also included. In preparing this salad, you can mix flavors and add your favorite touches. Enjoy making this dish your own while keeping it fresh and tasty.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Discover the ultimate BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Delight that is both tasty and easy to make! This vibrant salad combines shredded chicken, mixed greens, fresh veggies, and a smoky ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s loaded with flavor and crunch, including optional tortilla strips. Ready in just 15 minutes, this healthy recipe is a must-try! Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delicious meal today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie or grilled)

4 cups mixed greens (a blend of romaine, spinach, and arugula)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (freshly cooked or drained from a can)

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1/3 cup ranch dressing

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Tortilla strips for an extra crunch

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. If cooking chicken from raw, grill or bake it until fully cooked, then allow it to cool slightly before shredding.

    Coat the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour in the BBQ sauce. Toss thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the sauce. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

      Enhance the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce. This will infuse the dressing with a smoky flavor that complements the salad beautifully.

        Build the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the foundation for your salad, allowing them to create a vibrant layer.

          Add Fresh Veggies: On top of the greens, layer in the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. This creates a colorful and nutritious mix.

            Incorporate the Chicken: Gently fold the BBQ-coated chicken into the salad, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout to allow everyone to enjoy the flavor in every bite.

              Dress It Up: Drizzle the enhanced ranch dressing over the top of the salad, taking care to cover as many ingredients as possible. Finish by sprinkling the chopped cilantro evenly across the salad for a fresh touch.

                Season to Taste: Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad, and mix gently to combine all the flavors without damaging the delicate greens.

                  Add Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle tortilla strips on top to add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the salad.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in large, vibrant bowls or on individual plates. Garnish with additional cilantro for a pop of color and a few tortilla strips on top for added texture. For a zesty enhancement, add a wedge of lime on the side for guests to squeeze over their salad!