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Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Ranch

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Ranch
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Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Ranch is a vibrant, nutritious dish combining smoky, tender grilled chicken glazed with rich barbecue sauce, crisp mixed greens, fresh veggies, shredded cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad balances bold flavors with fresh textures and is easy to customize for any palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite smoky or sweet style)

Salad Base

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

Add-ons

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (creamy, herby)
  • Optional: 1 avocado sliced, 1/2 cup corn kernels, or 3 strips crispy bacon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked, brushing generously with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes to develop a luscious glaze. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. Prep the salad base: While the chicken cooks, wash and dry the mixed greens. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice cucumber and red onion to create a fresh, crisp salad base.
  3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or serving plate, layer the mixed greens first. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top, followed by cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the salad.
  4. Add the dressing: Drizzle creamy ranch dressing evenly over the salad or serve it on the side if preferred. Toss lightly to coat all ingredients with the dressing and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling for deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh, crisp greens to balance rich chicken and dressing.
  • Add ranch dressing gradually to avoid overpowering the salad’s fresh flavors.
  • Allow chicken to rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Try grilling additional veggies such as corn or peppers for smoky sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, BBQ chicken salad, ranch dressing salad, summer salad, healthy chicken recipe, quick BBQ salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/grilled-bbq-chicken-salad-with-ranch/