BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe: A Perfect Summer Dish

If you’re craving a meal that is fresh, satisfying, and easy to whip up, this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad needs to be on your summer menu.

This vibrant, flavor-packed salad combines juicy BBQ chicken with crisp veggies and a creamy, tangy BBQ ranch dressing. It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone in the family and ideal for both casual weeknights and backyard gatherings. Plus, it makes a great addition to picnics, potlucks, or even meal prep days.

As a busy mom who loves creating delicious, approachable recipes, I’m always hunting for meals that are quick, family-friendly, and packed with flavor. This salad is a standout favorite in my home, especially during warmer months when we all crave something light yet satisfying.

I first made this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad on a whim one busy summer afternoon when I needed to use up some leftover grilled chicken. After one bite, my whole family was hooked. Since then, it’s become a weekly staple in our household.

Let me show you why this will soon become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe

• Quick and easy. You can have this salad on the table in about 15 minutes with some pre-cooked chicken.
• Family-friendly. Even picky eaters love the sweet-savory flavors and the creamy dressing.
• Customizable. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead and enjoy flavorful lunches all week.
• Healthy and hearty. Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients to keep you satisfied.
• Great for entertaining. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that looks beautiful on any table.

If you love this salad, you might also enjoy my Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack or this refreshing Summer Garden Pasta.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Salad:

• 6–8 cups fresh greens (romaine, mixed greens, or spinach)
• 12 oz cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (or green onion)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced (optional)
• Fresh lime wedges (for serving, optional)

For the BBQ Ranch Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2–3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Mix-Ins:

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Bell peppers
• Jicama
• Bacon
• Diced hard-boiled egg
• Cheese (cheddar, Pepper Jack, cotija)
• Pickled red onions
• Sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.
• Stir until the chicken is well coated. Feel free to add more sauce if you love it extra saucy.
• If you have time, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors fully.

2. Make the BBQ Ranch Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Taste and adjust seasoning or BBQ sauce as needed.
• Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

3. Assemble the Salad

• In a large serving bowl or on individual plates, start with a bed of fresh greens.
• Layer the BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro over the greens.
• Drizzle generously with the BBQ ranch dressing.
• Toss to combine if desired, or serve as a layered salad.
• Garnish with fresh lime wedges if you like an extra pop of brightness.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
• Pair with a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade for the ultimate summer meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is not just tasty—it’s packed with nutrition too:

• Protein: 30.9g per serving, thanks to the chicken and black beans.
• Fiber: 9.3g per serving, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Healthy fats: From the avocado and dressing.
• Vitamins and minerals: Provided by the colorful array of veggies.

This makes it a balanced meal you can feel good about eating. The vibrant veggies also provide antioxidants, while the healthy fats in avocado support heart health.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Meal prep: Assemble the salad components ahead of time and store them separately.
• Dressing: Keep the BBQ ranch dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Avocado: If prepping in advance, squeeze lime juice over diced avocado to prevent browning.
• Mason jar salad: For a grab-and-go option, layer dressing at the bottom of a jar, followed by chicken, veggies, and greens. Shake well before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Change up the greens: Try arugula, kale, or butter lettuce.
• Add crunch: Toss in crispy tortilla strips or roasted chickpeas.
• Boost flavor: Add pickled red onions or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Paleo-friendly: Replace corn and black beans with cucumbers, bell peppers, or jicama. Use paleo-approved ranch and BBQ sauce.
• Go Tex-Mex: Add a sprinkle of chili powder to the dressing and top with jalapenos.
• Sweet touch: Add some diced mango or pineapple for a burst of natural sweetness.

Feel free to get creative and make this salad your own! My kids love it when I add crunchy tortilla strips on top for extra fun.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe.

Is this salad dairy-free?

Yes, if you use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip the cheese add-ins.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and add more beans or grilled tofu for plant-based protein.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose your favorite! I recommend a balanced BBQ sauce that’s not too sweet or too smoky, but this is totally personal preference.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Of course! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just adjust ingredient quantities to match your serving needs.

Final thoughts

There you have it—an irresistible BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad that’s perfect for summer and beyond. It’s quick, family-friendly, and full of fresh, bold flavors.

I love how easy it is to customize this salad based on what I have on hand. It’s one of those recipes you can make again and again without it ever feeling boring. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your family’s diet.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Save it to your Pinterest boards to make it easy to find later and share it with your friends.

Happy cooking and happy summer eating!

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