Summer dinners just got a whole lot tastier with this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Ranch Salad. Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, this salad is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings. With a combination of juicy chicken, black beans, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and crunchy chips, every bite is an explosion of taste. And let’s not forget about the homemade BBQ ranch dressing that takes this salad to the next level!
Key Takeaways
Ingredients for a Flavorful Salad:
- Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, ranch seasoning, red pepper flakes, and pickle juice from a jar of pickles.
- Romaine Lettuce: Use romaine hearts or any other lettuce variety you prefer.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes or diced Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work well.
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, or Kirby cucumbers add a refreshing crunch.
- Corn: Charred corn kernels bring a burst of personality to the salad.
- Black Beans: Rinse and drain the beans before adding them to your salad.
- Avocados: Use ripe avocados that hold their shape.
- Extra Add-ins: Quick-pickled red onions, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and either nacho cheese chips or crispy jalapeños for added crunch.
- Mayo + Sour Cream: The base for the homemade BBQ ranch dressing.
- Milk: Used to thin out the dressing.
- Sauces: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or try a homemade version.
How to Create this Easy BBQ Ranch Salad:
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Marinate the chicken: Combine dried ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and chili powder. Rub the chicken with the seasoning and let it marinate for optimal flavor. Grill the chicken until it reaches 165ºF on a meat thermometer.
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Prepare the dressing: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, pickle juice, BBQ sauce, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well-combined.
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Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, layer romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, charred corn, black beans, avocados, pickled red onions, cilantro, shredded cheese, and your choice of crunchy jalapeños or nacho cheese tortilla chips. Add the sliced chicken and toss the salad with the desired amount of dressing. Serve immediately or make individual portions.
FAQs about this Recipe:
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No pickles? Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of pickle juice for the dressing.
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Thick dressing? Let the dressing sit for 15 minutes, or add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
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Get creative! Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite add-ins and share your delicious variations.
If You Enjoyed this Chicken Salad, Try These Recipes Too:
- Crispy Chicken Salad with Sriracha Honey BBQ Dressing
- Chopped Thai Chicken Salad with Skinny Peanut Dressing
- Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad with Ginger Dressing
- Honey Mustard Chicken Cobb Salad
- Fiesta Chili Lime Chicken Salad with Mango Avocado Salsa
Enjoy the deliciousness of this BBQ Chicken Ranch Salad and savor every bite of this sensational summer dish! For more amazing recipes, visit Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ.
