BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Delight

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, and arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup thick BBQ sauce - ½ cup ranch dressing - ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Crunchy tortilla strips You can try adding other veggies like cucumbers or carrots for extra crunch. Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. If you like spice, consider jalapeños or a spicy ranch. Nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch too. For BBQ sauce, I love Sweet Baby Ray's for its great balance of sweet and smoky. For ranch dressing, Hidden Valley is a classic choice. However, if you want a fresh taste, try making your own ranch at home! It's simple and so tasty. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with 2 cups of cooked chicken breast. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over it. Mix well until all the chicken is coated. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the BBQ flavor. Grab another large bowl for the salad base. Add 4 cups of mixed salad greens. I like to use romaine, spinach, and arugula for color. This mix makes the salad look pretty and taste fresh. Lay the greens flat at the bottom. This creates a nice foundation for the toppings. Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Scatter 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes over the greens. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of corn kernels. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn—whatever you have. Then, add 1 diced red bell pepper for a crunch. Toss in half of the ¼ cup of sliced green onions. They add a nice zing! Now, carefully place the BBQ chicken mixture on top. Drizzle ½ cup of ranch dressing over everything. Toss gently to mix. Be careful not to crush the greens. Finish with ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the rest of the green onions on top. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want extra crunch, top with tortilla strips right before serving! To shred chicken well, start with warm cooked chicken. Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Hold one fork steady and use the other to pull the meat. This method gives you nice, thin pieces. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Just mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. This will save time and effort! Layering your salad makes it look pretty and tasty. Start with the greens at the bottom. This keeps them fresh and crisp. Next, add your veggies like tomatoes and corn. Make sure to spread them out evenly. Then, place the BBQ chicken on top. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Finish with cheese and dressings on top. This way, every bite has a mix of flavors. Serve your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad in large, shallow bowls. This lets everyone see the colorful layers. For added crunch, top with tortilla strips just before serving. Pair it with a cold drink like lemonade or iced tea. If you want more sides, try garlic bread or fruit salad. These pairings make the meal more fun and delicious! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to sit in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before assembling the salad to enhance the flavor profile. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh produce whenever possible to ensure your salad is bursting with flavor and nutrients. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or pepper jack, for a unique twist on this salad. Keep Tortilla Strips Crispy: Add the tortilla strips just before serving to maintain their crunch and texture. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Try grilled shrimp for a seafood twist. Shredded pork adds a rich flavor. If you like beef, use steak strips. Each protein brings its own unique taste to the salad. To make this salad vegetarian, replace chicken with black beans or chickpeas. These options add protein and fiber. For a vegan version, use a plant-based ranch dressing. You can also add cubes of avocado for creaminess. Change ingredients with the seasons for fresh flavors. In spring, add asparagus or snap peas. In summer, toss in diced mango or avocado. Fall calls for roasted squash or apples. In winter, use hearty greens like kale or roasted root veggies. Each swap makes the salad unique and exciting. To store your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and safe to eat. Make sure to store it in the fridge. Use the salad within three days for the best taste. When reheating chicken, do it gently. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking often. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it's safe and tasty. To keep salad ingredients fresh, store components separately. Keep the greens in a dry container. Place tomatoes, corn, and peppers in separate bags. Wait to add dressing until you’re ready to eat. This prevents sogginess. If you want to keep crunchy tortilla strips, store them in a separate bag. Enjoy that crunch when you're ready to serve! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just mix the chicken and BBQ sauce first. Keep the salad greens and veggies separate. When ready to serve, combine everything. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp. I recommend using cooked chicken breast. Shredded chicken breast works best for this salad. You can grill, bake, or even use a rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor and saves time. To make this salad gluten-free, choose gluten-free BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Check the labels to ensure they contain no gluten. You can also skip the tortilla strips or find gluten-free options. Absolutely! Homemade ranch dressing adds a personal touch. Use your favorite herbs and spices for flavor. It makes the salad even more special and tailored to your taste. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is easy and fun to make. We covered the best ingredients, steps to prepare, and how to customize your dish. I shared tips for storing leftovers and serving ideas. You can mix and match to suit your tastes. Remember, the key is to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Enjoy your salad any day of the week!$

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Delight

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
4 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels
1 whole red bell pepper, diced
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup thick BBQ sauce
0.5 cup ranch dressing
0.25 cup green onions, thinly sliced
to taste salt and pepper
optional crunchy tortilla strips

Instructions

Start by placing the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and mix thoroughly until each piece is well-coated in sauce. Set aside to marinate and absorb the flavors.
In another sizable bowl, lay down the mixed salad greens as a refreshing base for the salad.
Next, artfully scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and half of the sliced green onions atop the greens, creating a colorful and inviting layering effect.
Gently place the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the salad, allowing it to take center stage.
Using a steady hand, drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad, then toss everything together gently. Be careful to avoid crushing the delicate salad greens while ensuring all ingredients are combined harmoniously.
Finish by generously sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining green onions over the top for added creaminess and a burst of flavor.
Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your taste preferences, enhancing the overall dish.
For an extra crunch and a touch of fun, add a handful of tortilla strips right before serving to keep them crispy.

Notes

Serve in large bowls to showcase the vibrant colors.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, ranch, salad