Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Herby Ranch
Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Herby Ranch is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines smoky barbecue chicken, fresh mixed greens, crisp vegetables, and a creamy herby ranch dressing. This easy-to-make salad offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (choose your preferred flavor: tangy, sweet, or spicy)
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley, optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup herby ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Coat chicken breasts generously with barbecue sauce, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse smoky and sweet flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked and slightly charred. Remove and let rest to retain juices.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onions. Toss gently to mix fresh ingredients.
- Slice the Chicken: Once rested, slice the grilled BBQ chicken into thin strips and arrange evenly over the salad base for an appealing presentation.
- Add Cheese and Dressing: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then drizzle generously with herby ranch dressing. Optionally, scatter chopped fresh herbs for added brightness.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer (several hours or overnight) for deeper flavor.
- Use a hot, oiled grill to achieve attractive char marks and prevent sticking.
- Add ranch dressing gradually to avoid overpowering the freshness of the vegetables.
- Using fresh herbs in the dressing or as garnish elevates flavor complexity.
- Let grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken salad, grilled chicken salad, herby ranch salad, healthy chicken salad, smoky chicken salad, summer salad