Some recipes begin with a craving, but this Bbq Ranch Salad began with a backyard summer evening. The grill was sizzling, chickens were marinating in a smoky-sweet sauce, and laughter filled the patio. Between the hum of conversation and the smell of hickory, we set a simple goal — to build a meal that felt light but still indulgent, crisp yet comforting. That evening’s experiment turned into one of our favorite Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner, a dish that could hold its own next to ribs, burgers, and cornbread.
It started with grilled Salad With Bbq Chicken piled high over cool romaine and butter lettuce. The magic came when we drizzled over a creamy Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing made with tangy ranch and a touch of our favorite Bbq Salad Dressing sauce. The combination was bold — smoky barbecue meeting the cool tang of ranch in the most effortless union. Each bite offered something different: juicy chicken, sweet corn, crunchy peppers, and the lively spark of fresh herbs.
Family and friends couldn’t stop talking about it. The balance of smoky, creamy, and crisp flavor layers made it one of those Loaded Chicken Salad recipes that quickly moved from “summer favorite” to “dinner staple.” Whenever we plan Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner now, someone inevitably asks, “Are you making that Bbq Ranch Salad again?”
Print
BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This smoky and creamy salad combines grilled barbecue chicken with fresh greens, sweet corn, and a tangy ranch-BBQ dressing for a satisfying dinner. Quick to prepare and versatile for meal prep or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Coat chicken breasts with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and let rest for 15 minutes
2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, brushing with remaining barbecue sauce, until internal temperature reaches 165°F
4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly
5. Chop lettuce, dice bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion
6. Grill or sauté corn until lightly golden
7. In a bowl, whisk ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
8. Place mixed greens in serving bowls, top with corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and sliced chicken
9. Drizzle with dressing and finish with shredded cheese, avocado, and cilantro
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 740
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: loaded salad recipes for dinner, salad with bbq chicken, bbq chicken salad dressing, salad to go with bbq, bbq salad dressing, bbq ranch salad, dinner salad recipes main courses chicken, bbq chicken sandwich sides, loaded chicken salad
And honestly, it’s no surprise. It’s versatile enough to bring to a picnic, prep ahead for a weekday meal, or present beautifully at a dinner party. The Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing ties everything together with that irresistible kick of smoky sweetness that everyone loves at a cookout.
That one spontaneous backyard dinner taught us something wonderful — that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best moments start with a bowl full of fresh greens and warm, juicy chicken tossed with the perfect Bbq Salad Dressing.
A Backyard Dinner That Started It All
What makes this Loaded Chicken Salad truly special is how flexible and satisfying it is. We often think salads are light or simple, but this one is hearty enough to count among our favorite Dinner Salad Recipes Main Courses Chicken. Whether it’s a quick weekday meal, a Saturday lunch on the deck, or a side Salad To Go With Bbq mains, this Bbq Ranch Salad fits the moment.
On busy weeknights, I love tossing leftovers of grilled Salad With Bbq Chicken into a bowl of crisp lettuce and creamy dressing — dinner done in minutes. When we host a summer cookout, this salad acts as a fresh counterpoint to smoky meats and other Bbq Chicken Sandwich Sides. The flavors pop with color and texture, and it manages to feed both the health-conscious and the hearty eaters alike.
Every element in this Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner brings something essential: juicy grilled chicken adds smoky depth, while corn kernels and tomatoes lend natural sweetness. Crispy greens and a drizzle of Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing complete the equation, giving the salad a comforting, meal-worthy finish.
It’s that rare combination of ease and excitement that keeps it in our rotation. The simple prep means it comes together quickly, yet every bite delivers variety — tender chicken, creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and a little tang to wake up your taste buds. It’s no wonder this dish keeps making appearances at our gatherings.
So whether you’re looking for a wholesome weekday dinner or a vibrant Salad To Go With Bbq, this Loaded Chicken Salad checks every box. It’s proof that you can enjoy the essence of backyard flavor year-round — right at your dinner table.
Ingredients and Preparations
Fresh Ingredients That Make A Bbq Ranch Salad Stand Out
Every great Bbq Ranch Salad begins with fresh, colorful ingredients that balance smoky flavor, creamy texture, and crisp bite. When preparing Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner, keeping ingredients simple yet vibrant makes all the difference. Below is a complete list of what you’ll need for this hearty Salad With Bbq Chicken, plus a few tips and substitutions to fit any pantry or dietary preference.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 medium (about 1 lb) | Substitute with thighs or rotisserie chicken. |
| Barbecue sauce (Bbq Salad Dressing base) | ½ cup | Choose smoky, sweet, or spicy to taste. |
| Romaine lettuce | 4 cups, chopped | Mix with butter lettuce or spinach. |
| Corn (fresh or frozen, grilled) | 1 cup | Adds natural sweetness and crunch. |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved | Use any variety for color. |
| Red bell pepper | 1, diced | Add yellow or green peppers for variety. |
| Red onion | ¼ cup, thinly sliced | Soak in cold water to reduce sharpness. |
| Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese | ½ cup | Optional, or try cotija or feta. |
| Avocado | 1, sliced | Adds creaminess and healthy fats. |
| Fresh cilantro or parsley | 2 tbsp | Optional garnish for freshness. |
For the Homemade Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing (Bbq Ranch Dressing):
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Ranch dressing | ½ cup | Light version lowers calories. |
| Bbq sauce | 2–3 tbsp | Adjust for sweetness or smoke. |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp | Adds balance and brightness. |
| Smoked paprika | ¼ tsp | Optional for added depth. |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Use sparingly. |
- Protein choice matters: Grilling gives the best char, but pan-searing works indoors.
- Dressing consistency: Thin thick dressing with milk or water.
- Flavor pairing: Add crushed tortilla strips or roasted chickpeas for crunch.
How To Prepare The Ultimate Salad With Bbq Chicken
Making this Salad With Bbq Chicken is as much about ease as it is about flavor layering. Here’s how to bring all the components together seamlessly while keeping that signature Bbq Ranch Salad flavor.
Tools you’ll need: grill pan, tongs, mixing bowls, whisk, cutting board, knife.
- Marinate and Grill the Chicken: Brush chicken with barbecue sauce and let rest 15–20 minutes. Grill 5–6 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with Bbq Salad Dressing until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop veggies and lightly grill corn. Mix in a large bowl.
- Mix the Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing: Whisk ranch, barbecue sauce, lime juice, paprika, and seasoning.
- Assemble the Salad: Layer greens, vegetables, warm chicken, and drizzle with Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing. Top with cheese and avocado.
- Final Touches: Serve immediately or chill components separately for freshness.
Time Saving Tips: Use pre-grilled or rotisserie chicken, prepare extra dressing, and store for use with Bbq Chicken Sandwich Sides.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
| Sugars | 9 g |
This nutritious balance makes it one of the most comforting Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner — hearty, fresh, and flavorfully complete.
Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations
Smart Serving Tips For Busy Nights And Parties
Flexibility is what makes this Bbq Ranch Salad shine. Whether for casual dinners or gatherings, this Salad With Bbq Chicken adapts easily.
Prep greens, chicken, and Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing in advance and store separately. At dinner, assemble and drizzle dressing for instant freshness.
At parties, display the salad in clear bowls to showcase color and texture. Offer extra Bbq Salad Dressing on the side for guests. For picnics, pack as a Salad To Go With Bbq mains that pairs beautifully with meats and Bbq Chicken Sandwich Sides.
For easy lunches, layer in jars: dressing first, then chicken, vegetables, and greens on top. Shake before serving for a crisp, crave-worthy meal that stays fresh two days.
Creative Twists On The Classic Loaded Chicken Salad
This Loaded Chicken Salad evolves effortlessly with your pantry and preferences, keeping every version exciting.
- Protein swaps: Try rotisserie chicken, grilled halloumi, or chickpeas brushed with Bbq Salad Dressing.
- Diverse dressings: Mix barbecue with honey mustard or avocado puree for new flavors.
- Texture boosts: Add toasted nuts, bacon, or roasted vegetables.
- Global options: Tex-Mex beans and lime crema or Mediterranean vinaigrette and feta refresh this Bbq Ranch Salad.
- Grain bowls: Layer over quinoa or farro for a hearty Dinner Salad Recipes Main Courses Chicken twist.
- Cheese & garnish: Choose pepper jack or cotija, add herbs for zest.
These customizations embody why Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner remain timeless — easy, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable.
FAQs and Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad last? Store components separately for up to two days to keep greens crisp. This helps when prepping Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner ahead of time.
Can I prep chicken in advance? Yes. Cook and cool chicken, store three days, or freeze. Reheat gently before use in Dinner Salad Recipes Main Courses Chicken.
What’s the best Bbq Salad Dressing brand? Choose balanced barbecue sauces with smoky sweetness. Mix with ranch for a homemade-style Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing.
How can I lighten the dressing? Use light ranch or Greek yogurt, or replace part of the barbecue sauce with lime juice for a low-calorie Salad To Go With Bbq.
Can I make a wrap or sandwich? Definitely. Wrap the Salad With Bbq Chicken in tortillas or buns and pair with classic Bbq Chicken Sandwich Sides for a fast meal.
A Flavorful Wrap-Up To A Perfect Dinner
Watching loved ones enjoy this Bbq Ranch Salad recalls that spontaneous backyard creation that started it all. Each serving carries that same mix of smoky Salad With Bbq Chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy Bbq Chicken Salad Dressing.
Perfect for everything from weeknight Loaded Salad Recipes For Dinner to festive gatherings, this Loaded Chicken Salad shows that wholesome food can be both simple and indulgent. With each toss of greens and drizzle of Bbq Salad Dressing, you bring the warmth of summer and comfort of home to your plate — no matter the season.
