BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup corn kernels, freshly cooked or canned, drained - 1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, your choice - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime slices To make this salad shine, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Start with shredded chicken. I always recommend using warm chicken as it absorbs the BBQ sauce better. Corn adds a sweet crunch. Red bell pepper brings color and crispness. The creamy avocado makes each bite delightful. Cherry tomatoes pop with flavor, while romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch. Red onion gives a sharp bite. Finally, the shredded cheese adds richness. For dressings, BBQ sauce is key. It adds that smoky flavor everyone loves. Ranch dressing gives a creamy finish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Optional garnishes like fresh cilantro and lime slices brighten the dish. They add freshness and zing. This combination of ingredients creates a zesty and flavorful meal that is sure to please. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, take 2 cups of cooked chicken breast and shred it into small pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over it. Make sure every piece is coated well. Use a fork or spoon to mix it together. Once done, set the bowl aside. This lets the chicken soak up the BBQ flavor. Next, we need to build our salad base. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion. When cutting, use a sharp knife for easy slicing. Cut the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces for a better mix. Now, it’s time to add the BBQ chicken to the salad. Carefully add the chicken mixture to the salad base. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together gently. Be careful not to mash the avocado while mixing. You want to keep that creamy texture intact. After mixing, drizzle 1/4 cup of ranch dressing over the top of the salad. Toss it lightly again to coat everything evenly. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for extra flavor. Enjoy your vibrant BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad! When you make BBQ chicken salad, the BBQ sauce matters a lot. Choose a sauce that you love. If you want a smoky flavor, pick a sauce that has a hint of smoke. For a sweeter taste, go for a sauce with brown sugar. Taste the sauce before you use it. This way, you know it fits your salad. Handling avocados can be tricky. First, cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Be careful! Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Dice it gently so it stays in nice pieces. If you want to keep the avocado fresh, sprinkle lime juice on it. This helps it from turning brown. Serve the salad in deep bowls or on a big platter. This makes it easy for everyone to grab a serving. For a fun twist, add lime slices on the side. They add extra zest when squeezed over the salad. For more flavor, you can add toppings. Crushed tortilla chips give a nice crunch. You can also try adding black beans for protein. Sliced jalapeños bring a spicy kick if you like heat. To make life easier, store salad parts separately. Keep chicken and veggies in one container. Store the dressings in small jars. This way, everything stays fresh and crisp. You can make the salad a day ahead. Just keep the toppings and dressings aside. Before serving, combine everything. This keeps your salad lively and tasty. Pro Tips Freshness is Key: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially vegetables and herbs, to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. BBQ Sauce Selection: Choose a BBQ sauce that complements the other flavors in your salad—consider smoky, sweet, or tangy varieties based on your preference. Avocado Handling: To prevent the avocado from browning, add it last and toss the salad gently to keep the pieces intact. Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, jalapeños, or different types of cheese for a personalized touch! {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this salad easily. Try using turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Turkey keeps the flavor but adds a lighter touch. Tofu gives a great plant-based option, too. You can also switch the dressing. Instead of ranch, use a vinaigrette for a tangy flavor. This simple swap adds a new twist to the salad. Think about adding seasonal veggies to your salad. In spring, add fresh peas or radishes for a crisp bite. In summer, try cucumbers or zucchini for coolness. Fall brings squash or roasted sweet potatoes, which add warmth. In winter, use hearty greens like kale for added nutrition. Adjust your salad based on what is fresh and tasty. If you need a gluten-free option, check your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Many brands offer gluten-free choices. You can also make the salad vegetarian or vegan. Just skip the chicken and cheese. Add beans or lentils for protein, and use a vegan dressing. These changes keep the salad delicious while meeting your needs. To keep your BBQ chicken chopped salad fresh, refrigerate it right away. Store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for the best results. Your BBQ chicken chopped salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, it may spoil. Look for signs like off smells or discoloration. If the chicken feels slimy, it’s time to toss it out. When reheating, use the microwave for an easy option. Heat in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to keep the salad crispy, try warming the chicken separately. This way, you preserve the fresh veggies' crunch. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. Prepare the salad base and chicken separately. Store each in airtight containers. This keeps the veggies fresh and crisp. Mix them when ready to serve. The best BBQ sauce is one you enjoy. Some like sweet, while others prefer smoky. Try different brands or make your own. A homemade sauce can add a personal touch. To spice it up, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat. Freshly cracked black pepper can add a nice kick, too. Absolutely! You can use blue cheese dressing for a bold flavor. If you prefer lighter options, try a vinaigrette. Greek yogurt mixed with herbs is a healthy swap as well. Yes, this salad is great for meal prepping. Store the components in separate containers. This way, you can mix them when you’re ready to eat. It stays fresh and tasty all week! This blog post covered everything you need for a BBQ chicken chopped salad. We explored key ingredients, dressings, and tips for preparation. You learned about variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers. My final thought is that making this salad can be fun and easy. Explore different flavors, and make it your own. Enjoy every bite, knowing you crafted a great meal!$

A refreshing and hearty salad featuring shredded BBQ chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup corn kernels
1 unit red bell pepper, diced
1 unit ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup shredded cheese
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
0.5 cup BBQ sauce
0.25 cup ranch dressing
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Start by placing the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Use a fork or spoon to mix well. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, create the salad base: combine the chopped romaine lettuce, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion.
Carefully add the BBQ chicken mixture to the salad base. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss the ingredients together gently until well combined, taking care not to mush the avocado.
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top of the salad. Toss lightly once more to coat the salad evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
To finish, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the salad and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter. Add a slice of lime for extra zest!

Keyword BBQ, chicken, easy, healthy, salad