This BBQ Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of tangy, fresh, and smoky flavors, all coming together in a nutritious meal. Enjoy it as a quick dinner, or make it your go-to for potlucks and parties!
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal packed with flavor, this BBQ Chicken Salad is your answer! Perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep, this salad combines the smoky taste of BBQ chicken with the freshness of veggies and a zesty, homemade dressing. The best part? It only takes 20 minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fast & Easy: This BBQ Chicken Salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Bold Flavors: From the smoky BBQ chicken to the tangy cilantro dressing, every bite is packed with flavor.
- Healthy: Loaded with fresh veggies and lean chicken, this salad is a nutritious choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ Tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 Tbsp jalapeno, diced
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
For the Salad:
- 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup of BBQ sauce
- 10 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 4 roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- Tortilla strips, fresh cilantro sprigs, as optional garnish
How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by making the flavorful cilantro-lime dressing. Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeno, minced garlic, and lime juice to a blender. Blend until smooth, and refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to serve the salad.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with that smoky BBQ flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Add your chopped romaine lettuce to a large serving bowl. Next, layer in the black beans, corn, tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together until the veggies are well-distributed.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Divide the salad into individual bowls. Drizzle your homemade dressing over each serving, and garnish with tortilla strips and cilantro sprigs for a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Salad
- Make it Spicy: If you love a kick of heat, add extra diced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate, and combine them when ready to serve. This keeps your lettuce crisp and fresh.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in avocado, cheese, or even roasted red peppers to personalize your salad.
Love This Recipe? Try These Too!
- Baked BBQ Chicken for more smoky goodness.
- Southwest Tatertot Casserole if you’re craving more Tex-Mex flavors.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing for a versatile, creamy dressing option.
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –
BBQ Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ Tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 Tbsp jalapeno, diced
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
For the salad
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 10 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 4 roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- Optional Toppings – , Tortilla strips, fresh cilantro sprigs
Instructions
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a blender and mix until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a large bowl, add the chicken and BBQ sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Add the lettuce to the bowl, then add the black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro, then toss until evenly distributed.
- To serve, divide the salad into individual serving bowls. Drizzle each portion with desired amount of dressing, and sprinkle with tortilla strips and cilantro.