Looking for a refreshing and hearty dish that’s packed with flavor? This BBQ chicken salad recipe is perfect for any occasion. Featuring succulent grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty BBQ dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick dinner option, this salad will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
– 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup corn (canned or grilled)
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 10 minutes for the chicken.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 bowl): approximately 350 calories, 30g protein, 20g carbohydrates, 10g fat, and 5g fiber. This is a nutritious and balanced meal for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
4. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad base by combining mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion in a large bowl.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
6. Slice the grilled chicken into strips.
7. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken slices and toss to coat.
8. Add the sliced chicken to the salad mixture.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
10. Drizzle with olive oil and additional BBQ sauce before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize this salad by substituting grilled chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, feel free to swap out vegetables according to your preferences, such as adding bell peppers or avocado.
Serving and Pairings
This BBQ chicken salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or even a light pasta dish. For a refreshing drink, serve it with lemonade or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad ingredients may wilt, so keep the dressing separate until ready to eat. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave if desired, but it’s also delicious cold.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy, not dry.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken; it helps retain moisture.
- Be careful with the salt; BBQ sauce can be salty.
- Mix the dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F.
- Add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Choose your favorite flavor for convenience.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this BBQ chicken salad is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all other ingredients.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I grill the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add chickpeas, black beans, or even nuts like almonds to boost the protein content of the salad.
Conclusion
This BBQ chicken salad recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every delicious bite!
BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes and then slice.
- Drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken slices and toss to coat.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and additional BBQ sauce before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
