Print

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe: A Perfect Summer Dish

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
Print Recipe

A vibrant, flavor-packed BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad that combines juicy BBQ chicken with crisp veggies and a creamy, tangy BBQ ranch dressing—perfect for summer meals and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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. Let it sit for a few minutes if time allows.
  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 desired.
  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.

Notes

Customize this salad to your liking—try adding grilled shrimp, steak, tofu, crunchy tortilla strips, roasted chickpeas, or a sprinkle of chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist. For meal prep, store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, summer salad, easy chicken salad, family-friendly salad, meal prep salad

Find it online: https://alexandrarecipes.com/bbq-ranch-chicken-salad/