Barbecue Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a hearty lunch or light dinner. The salad combines tender, smoky grilled chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a tangy barbecue sauce dressing, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a delightful medley of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, enhanced by the freshness of ingredients like corn, avocado, and tomatoes. Topped with crispy tortilla strips or crumbled cheese, this salad offers a satisfying, healthy meal that captures the essence of summer grilling all year round.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for dressing)
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla strips or croutons (optional)
- Ranch dressing (for mixing with barbecue sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with barbecue sauce and let them marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Drizzle a little olive oil on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooked, set aside and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup barbecue sauce with 1/4 cup ranch dressing. Adjust proportions to taste if you prefer more barbecue flavor or creaminess.
- Assemble the salad: Top the salad with the grilled chicken slices. Drizzle with the barbecue-ranch dressing, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add tortilla strips or croutons for crunch, if desired.
- Serve: Toss the salad gently to distribute the ingredients and dressing. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delightful blend of barbecue flavors!
