Ingredients
Scale
The best part about this salad is how flexible it is. You can make it with what you have at home, which is the heart of any good home-cooked meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (like romaine, spinach, and arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you’re out of any of these, don’t fret. Swap out the greens, use canned corn instead of fresh, or omit the cilantro if it’s not your thing. Remember, home cooking is about working with what you have.
Instructions
Here’s how you can bring this delicious salad to life:
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, in a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, avocado, and red onion.
- Slice the grilled chicken into strips and add to the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if using. Serve immediately.
Remember, the key is not to stress about perfect presentation. It’s all about the flavors coming together in a way that makes you feel at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Salad, recipe, cooking, food
