Tangy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe For Summer Feasts

Crafting a mouthwatering BBQ chicken chopped salad can turn an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary adventure.

Crisp greens mingle with tender, smoky chicken pieces that promise pure satisfaction.

Summer gatherings often call for fresh, vibrant dishes that everyone can enjoy.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors dancing across your palate.

Colorful vegetables add crunch and nutrition to this crowd-pleasing creation.

Southwest-inspired ingredients create a dynamic mix that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next casual dinner or potluck celebration.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this salad?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken as alternatives to grilled chicken.

• Is there a way to make this salad healthier?

Opt for a low-fat ranch dressing, use grilled chicken instead of fried, and add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can easily cook the chicken in a skillet, oven, or using an indoor grill pan with the same seasoning and BBQ sauce method.

• Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh, storing chicken and vegetables separately in the refrigerator.

Reasons You’ll Be Obsessed with BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

• Grilled chicken delivers a hefty protein punch, making this salad a satisfying and nutritious option for health-conscious eaters.
• Combine tangy BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh crisp vegetables for a taste sensation that'll tantalize your taste buds.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this salad works great for family dinners, potlucks, or a light lunch with friends.

What Goes Into a BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Bowl

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that becomes juicy and flavorful when grilled and coated with BBQ sauce.

• Romaine Lettuce, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: A fresh and crisp combination that adds crunch, color, and nutritional value to the salad.

• Cheddar Cheese, Ranch Dressing: Cheese provides a sharp and creamy element, while ranch dressing adds a cool and tangy finish to the salad.

• Salt, Pepper, BBQ Sauce: These ingredients enhance the chicken's flavor and add a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste to the dish.

How to Toss Together Your BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Crank your grill or oven to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375F/190C.

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken, creating a flavor-packed coating that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Cook the chicken on the grill, giving each side about 6 minutes of direct heat.

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.

Step 3: Glaze with Tangy BBQ Goodness

Brush the grilled chicken with a generous layer of BBQ sauce, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a mouthwatering glaze.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors.

Step 4: Chop and Prep Fresh Ingredients

• Chop crisp romaine lettuce
• Slice cucumber into half-moons
• Halve cherry tomatoes
• Thinly slice red onion

Step 5: Assemble the Flavor Explosion

• Chopped romaine
• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomato halves
• Sliced red onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 6: Crown the Salad with Chicken

Slice the BBQ-glazed chicken and arrange it on top of the veggie mixture.

Drizzle ranch dressing over the entire salad and gently toss everything together to blend all the incredible flavors.

Chef’s Hints for BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Success

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties like spicy, honey, or smoky to add unique taste profiles to the salad.
• Add toasted corn or crispy tortilla strips for extra texture and a delightful crunch that complements the soft chicken.
• Prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy salad.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or pulled pork for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.

Keeping BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Fresh

• Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container, separating chicken and dressing to prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Store grilled chicken separately in a sealed container to maintain its crisp texture and prevent salad ingredients from getting mushy.
• Keep ranch dressing in a small sealed jar or container on the side to add freshness when ready to eat again.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds on medium power, then reassemble salad with fresh crisp vegetables and drizzle with fresh dressing.

Best Matches for BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy BBQ chicken and fresh salad vegetables, cutting through the richness with their bright, zesty profile.
• Serve with Craft Beer Twist: A light American pale ale or wheat beer matches the smoky BBQ flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the salad's crisp ingredients.
• Enhance with Sparkling Water Mocktail: Create a citrus-infused sparkling water with lemon and mint to cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element that balances the salad's savory components.
• Accompany with Cornbread Sidekick: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread provides a delightful texture contrast and soaks up the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, rounding out the entire meal experience.

Creative Spins for BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinating in BBQ sauce for similar flavor profile and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to make the entire salad safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap romaine for mixed greens or spinach, and replace ranch with a lighter Greek yogurt-based dressing to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute BBQ sauce with olive oil and lemon juice, add crumbled feta cheese, and include kalamata olives for a Greek-style salad experience.

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 34 1x

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Description

Crisp romaine and smoky bbq chicken chopped salad deliver summer southwestern comfort with zesty ranch dressing. Colorful corn, black beans, and cilantro create a fresh, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner when you crave bold, balanced flavors.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Greens:

• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 1 cucumber
• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes
• 1 small red onion

Dairy and Dressing:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Heat grill or oven to 375°F/190°C and generously season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Cook chicken for approximately 6 minutes per side until thoroughly done, ensuring no pink remains.
3. Coat grilled chicken with BBQ sauce and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Prepare fresh vegetables by roughly chopping romaine lettuce, dicing cucumber, halving cherry tomatoes, and thinly slicing red onion.
5. Arrange chopped romaine as the salad base in a large serving bowl or platter.
6. Layer cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese over the romaine.
7. Carefully place sliced BBQ-glazed chicken on top of the vegetable mixture.
8. Drizzle ranch dressing evenly across the salad and gently toss to distribute ingredients and dressing thoroughly.
9. Serve immediately to maintain crisp vegetable texture and optimal flavor combination.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breast to keep the salad light and protein-packed without excessive fat.
• Allow chicken to rest after grilling to lock in juices and prevent dryness during slicing.
• Customize the salad by swapping ranch for Greek yogurt dressing for a healthier alternative.
• Grill vegetables alongside chicken to enhance smoky flavor and add extra depth to the salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 34
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg