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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, arugula) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste For this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Start with two cups of cooked chicken breast. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. This chicken adds protein and flavor. Next, grab four cups of mixed greens. I love using spinach, romaine, and arugula. They add a nice crunch and a variety of nutrients. Then, you need one cup of cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half. They bring a sweet, juicy flavor to the salad. For the additional ingredients, add one cup of corn kernels. You can use fresh corn or frozen. Both work well. Also, include half a cup of thinly sliced red onion for a bit of spice. Don’t forget the cheese! You’ll want one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. It gives a creamy and rich taste. Now, let’s talk about the dressing. Use half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. It should be smoky and tangy. Mix this with half a cup of ranch dressing. This creamy base ties the salad together. If you want, sprinkle in a quarter cup of fresh, chopped cilantro. It adds a burst of fresh flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This mix of ingredients makes a salad that is both hearty and refreshing. Enjoy the colors and flavors in every bite! - Combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. - Layer mixed greens in a large serving bowl. Start by taking your cooked chicken and shredding it. I love using rotisserie chicken for this. It adds great flavor and saves time. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Pour in the BBQ sauce and add the shredded chicken. Mix well until the chicken is coated. This step gives the salad its smoky, sweet flavor. Now, let’s prepare the base. Take a large serving bowl and layer your mixed greens at the bottom. I recommend using a mix of spinach, romaine, and arugula. This combo adds nice color and texture. - Distribute BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, onion, and cheese. - Drizzle ranch dressing and season to taste. Now, it’s time to assemble the salad. Take your BBQ chicken and spread it evenly over the mixed greens. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and sliced red onion. The sweet corn and tangy onion balance the rich BBQ flavor perfectly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. This adds a creamy element that makes it even better. To finish, drizzle ranch dressing over the entire salad. Make sure to cover all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step enhances all the flavors in the salad. - Toss ingredients if desired, and garnish with cilantro. If you like, gently toss the salad to mix the flavors. I often leave it layered for a stunning look. For the final touch, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. This adds a fresh taste and makes the dish pop with color. Enjoy every bite of this tasty BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! For the best shredded chicken, use cooked chicken breast. You can grill, bake, or boil it. Grilling adds a smoky flavor, while baking keeps it juicy. If you use leftover chicken, that works too! When picking BBQ sauce, choose one that you love. Sweet, tangy, or spicy, it should match your taste. Some brands offer natural options without added sugars. This makes your salad healthier. For side dishes, corn on the cob or garlic bread go well with this salad. You can also add a fruit salad for a sweet touch. To make your salad look great, serve it in a large bowl. You can layer the ingredients for a nice look. A sprinkle of cilantro on top makes it pop. Drizzle a bit of extra ranch dressing for flair. You can spice up the chicken with smoked paprika or garlic powder. Just mix these spices into your BBQ sauce before adding it to the chicken. For toppings, consider adding avocado or croutons. Avocado adds creaminess, while croutons give a nice crunch. Both enhance the salad's texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for turkey. Turkey gives a leaner option. BBQ tofu is great for a vegan choice. It absorbs flavor well, making it tasty. You can also use tempeh for more texture. Making your own ranch dressing is easy. Just mix buttermilk, mayo, garlic, and herbs. You can also try other dressings. A tangy vinaigrette pairs well with BBQ chicken too. Feel free to switch cheeses. Try feta for a salty kick. You can also use pepper jack for heat. Seasonal veggies work well too. Think about adding bell peppers in summer or roasted squash in fall. These swaps keep your salad fresh and fun! To store leftovers, put the salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid adding the dressing until you are ready to eat. This keeps the greens crisp and tasty. If you have extra BBQ chicken, store it separately. That way, you can add it when you serve the salad again. Yes, you can freeze BBQ chicken. First, cool it completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. I recommend freezing the components separately. You can freeze the chicken, corn, and even the cheese. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before using. Packaged ingredients like cheese and BBQ sauce last a while. Generally, they can last one to two weeks after opening. Check the labels for exact dates. For the salad, look for signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or slimy greens. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make this salad healthier, consider these tips: - Use low-calorie dressings, like light ranch or yogurt-based ranch. - Swap mixed greens for kale or arugula for more nutrients. These options cut calories while keeping flavor. You still get that great taste. Plus, the greens boost your vitamins and minerals. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Here’s how: - Make the chicken with BBQ sauce and store it separately. - Wash and dry the mixed greens, and keep them fresh in the fridge. For best storage: - Use airtight containers for all parts. - Keep the dressing on the side until serving. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. You can enjoy it fresh even if made a day early. This salad pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Cornbread or garlic bread makes a great side. - Fresh fruit salad adds a sweet touch. For drinks: - I recommend iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing option. - A light beer also goes well with the BBQ flavors. These sides and drinks enhance your meal and make it more enjoyable. This blog post covered the key elements for making a delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. You learned about main and additional ingredients, step-by-step assembly, and helpful tips. We also explored variations for protein and dressings, plus storage info and answers to common questions. Now you can enjoy a tasty salad while impressing your friends and family. Remember, feel free to customize it to your taste. Enjoy your cooking!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Whip up a delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad in just 15 minutes! This vibrant dish combines shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and your favorite BBQ sauce for a flavorful twist. With layers of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, and a drizzle of ranch dressing, it's perfect for lunch or dinner. Discover the secret to making this refreshing salad that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, arugula)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.

    In a large serving bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base for the salad.

      Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the bed of greens.

        Add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, sliced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.

          Drizzle ranch dressing over the entire salad, ensuring even coverage.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              If using, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the salad for an added burst of flavor.

                Gently toss some of the ingredients together if desired, but leave parts of the salad in layers for a beautiful presentation.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl, or divide into individual plates. Garnish with additional cilantro and a drizzle of ranch dressing for visual appeal.