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.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad, Herby Ranch Dressing, BBQ Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Healthy BBQ Salad, BBQ Salad Recipe