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Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Herby Ranch

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Herby Ranch

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Herby Ranch combines smoky, tangy grilled barbecue chicken with a fresh mix of salad greens, crisp vegetables, and a creamy herby ranch dressing. This vibrant and satisfying dish is perfect for any season, offering a nourishing, flavor-packed meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and BBQ

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (tangy or sweet, rich and smoky)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

Salad Greens and Vegetables

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula blend)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber slices, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Herby Ranch Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim the chicken breasts and pat dry. Coat evenly with barbecue sauce, making sure each piece is well-covered. Marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
  3. Make the Herby Ranch Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Prepare Salad Components: Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly. Slice cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion thinly. Prepare optional ingredients like avocado or corn if using.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Arrange mixed greens on a large plate or bowl. Top with grilled BBQ chicken slices, scatter the prepared vegetables evenly, and drizzle generously with herby ranch dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh parsley, dill, and chives for best herbal freshness in dressing.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken.
  • Add crunchy toppings like toasted nuts or crispy tortilla strips for texture.
  • Chill ranch dressing for 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad, Herby Ranch Dressing, BBQ Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Healthy BBQ Salad, BBQ Salad Recipe