Why Make This Recipe
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a fantastic choice for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Combining grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and a tasty barbecue twist, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This salad is not only nutritious but also satisfying, making it a go-to for families and busy individuals alike.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce and grill for an additional minute on each side.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- In a large bowl, mix chopped romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and sliced chicken.
- Top the salad with cheddar cheese and drizzle with ranch dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Serve BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad in large bowls or on individual plates. It’s great on its own, but can also be paired with some crusty bread or chips for added crunch. This salad is colorful and looks appealing, so it’s perfect for a family meal or when entertaining guests.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess. The salad can last for 1-2 days in the fridge. Make sure to eat the grilled chicken within a couple of days for the best flavor.
Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce before grilling.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra crunch.
- You can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to switch the ranch dressing with your favorite dressing if you prefer a different flavor.
Variation (If Any)
You can customize this salad easily. Try adding black beans for protein, avocado for creaminess, or crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor. You can also use different types of lettuce, like spinach or kale, instead of romaine.
FAQs
-
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and grill the chicken ahead of time. Just keep the salad components separate and combine them right before serving. -
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
You can use yogurt dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a vinaigrette for a different twist. -
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful salad combining grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a barbecue twist.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce and grill for an additional minute on each side.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- In a large bowl, mix chopped romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and sliced chicken.
- Top the salad with cheddar cheese and drizzle with ranch dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce before grilling. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg