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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup corn (canned or grilled) - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack) - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Tortilla strips for garnish The BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is packed with flavor and nutrition. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced dish. - Cooked chicken breast provides protein. It keeps you full and satisfied. - Mixed greens add freshness and crunch. Spinach, arugula, and romaine work well together. - Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. They enhance the salad's visual appeal. - Red onion adds a mild bite. Its sharpness balances the creamy dressing. - Corn gives a sweet, juicy element. You can use canned or grilled corn. - Black beans offer fiber and protein. They make the salad hearty. - Shredded cheese gives a creamy texture. Cheddar or pepper jack both add flavor. - Ranch dressing adds creaminess. It pairs well with BBQ sauce. - BBQ sauce gives a smoky and tangy taste. It elevates the chicken. - Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Use to your liking. - Tortilla strips are optional. They add a nice crunch on top. Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making a delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. Each item contributes to the overall taste and makes this dish a hit. Enjoy the process of preparing this fresh meal! - Step 1: Mix chicken with BBQ sauce Start by taking 2 cups of cooked chicken breast. Shred it into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour in 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated in BBQ sauce. - Step 2: Combine ranch dressing and BBQ sauce In a separate bowl, take 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. Add a tablespoon of BBQ sauce to it. Whisk these together. This adds a nice depth of flavor to the dressing. - Step 3: Layer mixed greens and add toppings Grab a large salad bowl and lay down 4 cups of mixed greens. I like to use a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine. Next, add the toppings. Start with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, then add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion, 1 cup of corn, and 1/2 cup of rinsed black beans. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top. - Step 4: Add BBQ chicken and drizzle dressing Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the salad. Then take your ranch dressing mix and drizzle it over everything. Toss the salad gently. Be careful not to break the greens. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! For a beautiful salad, use a big bowl. Start with mixed greens and layer each topping. Place cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn evenly. For an eye-catching look, sprinkle cheese on top. Add crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch. When it comes to storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container. Refrigerate any salad that has dressing. This keeps the greens fresh. If you have leftover chicken, store it separately. This way, you can enjoy it later without soggy greens. Want to switch things up? Try different proteins like turkey or tofu. You can also use grilled shrimp or tempeh for a fun twist. For greens, kale or collard greens work great too. Dressings can change the whole dish. If you’re not a ranch fan, try a honey mustard or a zesty vinaigrette. These options can add new flavors and make the salad your own. {{image_2}} You can change the BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad in fun ways. Here are two great ideas: - Spicy BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the chicken mix. This will give the salad a nice kick. You can also choose spicy ranch dressing for extra heat. The flavors combine well with the sweet BBQ sauce. - Southwest-inspired BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad: Use black bean corn salsa instead of plain corn and black beans. This adds zest and flavor. You can also sprinkle in some cumin and lime juice for a bright touch. Avocado slices are a perfect addition to this version. You can easily adjust this salad to fit different diets: - Gluten-free options: Check your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Make sure they are gluten-free. Use tortilla strips made from corn for crunch. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad. - Vegan variations using plant-based proteins: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas. Use vegan ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. This keeps the salad tasty while meeting vegan needs. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers can boost flavor and color. To store leftovers, use an airtight container. This helps keep the salad fresh. You should place the BBQ chicken and salad in separate containers. This way, the greens stay crisp. Keep the salad in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for freshness before eating. To keep ingredients fresh: - Store the mixed greens dry. - Wrap the red onion in a paper towel. This absorbs moisture. - Keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Reheat the chicken in a microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 30 seconds at a time. Check to see if it’s hot enough. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken. To keep the salad crisp when reheating: - Reheat chicken separately from the salad. - Serve the chicken on top of fresh greens. - Add dressing only before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and vibrant. How to make BBQ ranch dressing from scratch? To make BBQ ranch dressing, you need simple ingredients. Mix equal parts of ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Whisk them together until smooth. You can adjust the ratio based on your taste. For extra flavor, add garlic powder, onion powder, or a squeeze of lime juice. This mix complements the salad perfectly. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes, rotisserie chicken works great! It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce. It makes the salad even easier to prepare. Plus, it keeps the dish juicy and tasty. What are the best sides to serve with BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad? Great sides include corn on the cob, coleslaw, or baked beans. These sides add color and texture. You can also serve tortilla chips or fresh fruit for a refreshing touch. These pair well with the salad’s flavors and make a complete meal. The BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients, like shredded chicken and mixed greens. I shared steps for prep and tips for serving. You can swap ingredients or create fun variations, too. Don't forget about storing leftovers and reheating tips. This salad is easy to make and customize. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that suit your taste!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Discover the ultimate BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This fresh and flavorful salad combines shredded chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans, all drizzled with a delicious ranch and BBQ dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a quick meal solution that tastes amazing. Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup corn (canned or grilled)

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)

1/4 cup ranch dressing

1/4 cup BBQ sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Tortilla strips for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the chicken is well coated.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and a tablespoon of BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor.

      In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base.

        Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, corn, black beans, and shredded cheese on top of the greens.

          Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the salad.

            Drizzle the ranch dressing mixture over the top of the entire salad.

              Toss gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking the greens.

                If desired, top with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, garnished with extra tortilla strips and a sprinkle of cheese for a colorful and appetizing look. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish!