If you're anything like me, salad cravings hit hard in the summertime and this BBQ Chicken Salad is my newfound obsession. Loaded with crisp veggies, juicy BBQ chicken, fresh herbs, creamy avocado, bright tomatoes, crispy onions and smoky corn, it's a high-protein and colorful twist on one of my favorite salads. My friend makes the best salad that she brings to every BBQ and this is my take on it! Think chopped salad meets backyard barbecue. The combination of BBQ and ranch dressing ties everything together with that sweet, savory and tangy kick.
It's bold, versatile and completely delish. The kind of fabulous, restaurant-style at-home recipe that gets you hooked at the first bite. Whether you're looking for the perfect summer weeknight meal or a dish to make for your next BBQ, this hearty salad is the perfect addition to your rotation. Plus, it's easily customizable to multiple diets or allergies. Whether you are looking for gluten free, dairy free, egg free, nut free, paleo, etc. I have you covered. If you love salads, you will also love my spring roll salad, tuna caesar salad and buffalo chicken caesar salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
It's the perfect summer lunch or dinner!
This salad is great for BBQs or summer parties.
It is easily customizable and you can switch out the dressings or vegetables.
This dish is perfect for adults and kids!
The flavor combination of barbecue and ranch is so delicious.
It is a super colorful salad packed with fresh veggies, herbs and flavor!
This salad is such to be a crowd pleaser!
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this BBQ chicken salad is a grill, skewers, cutting board, knife and a bowl. I prefer to use stainless steel skewers so I don't have to worry about pre-soaking them in water.
Ingredients Needed
Chicken: I like to use organic chicken whenever possible. For this recipe, you will need to cut the chicken into small pieces to put on the skewers. You can also purchase pre-made skewers from your local butcher if that is easier!
BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is used in this recipe to marinate the chicken and make it super juicy. My favorite BBQ sauce is Primal Kitchen because it uses great ingredients.
Seasoning: I also used salt and garlic powder to give the chicken some extra flavor.
Lettuce: I used a crisp romaine lettuce in this recipe and chopped it up.
Tomatoes: I like to use grape or cherry tomatoes in this recipe. You can also use larger tomatoes if you prefer!
Avocado: Avocado gives this recipe a delicious creaminess and adds healthy fat.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice crunch to this salad.
Corn: I used corn on the cob for this recipe! I love adding grilled corn to my salads.
Herbs: I added fresh dill and chives to the top of this salad!
Ranch Dressing: Feel free to use premade ranch dressing or make your own!
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Chop the chicken into small pieces and add to a bowl. Pour in barbecue sauce, salt and garlic powder.
Step 3: Add chicken to skewers.
Step 4: Season and grill corn and chicken skewers until they are browned and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: While the corn and chicken are cooking, cut the vegetables and herbs.
Step 6: Add the vegetables, lettuce and herbs to a bowl and drizzle with ranch dressing.
Step 7: Serve salad with chicken skewers and enjoy!
Storage
If you are going to store this BBQ chicken salad for later, I recommend storing the salad without the dressing and storing the chicken skewers separately from the salad. Store the components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
This salad makes a great meal prep if you remove the chicken from the skewers and add it to a meal prep container. Add the salad to the other half of the meal prep container. Store the dressing on the side and drizzle onto the salad when you are ready to serve it.
Variations
Meat: I used chicken in this recipe, but feel free to try steak or fish as well!
Vegetables: Try adding grilled peppers, beans,
Dressing: Use store-bought ranch dressing or try making homemade. You can also use caesar dressing or another dressing you love!
Vegetarian: Try using tofu instead of chicken to make this salad vegetarian! You can also add beans for extra protein.
Toppings: Add tortilla chips or pumpkin seeds on top for a crunch!
Seasoning: Try seasoning the chicken with taco spices for an extra kick!
How To Serve
This BBQ chicken salad is best served for BBQs or a summer weeknight dinner! I love grilling outside and eating this salad on my balcony.
I like to serve the chicken skewers right on top of the salad smothered in ranch dressing!
You can also meal prep this salad by taking the chicken off the skewers and storing it in a meal prep container with the undressed salad. Add the ranch dressing on the side.
This salad would also work for a build-your-own salad bar situation!
Pair this salad with watermelon and tortilla chips for the perfect summer meal.
Recipe FAQs
What can I do with leftover BBQ Chicken Salad?
This recipe makes a great meal prep! I recommend storing the salad undressed for meal prep. You can also eat it for dinner the next night!
How can I use extra barbecue sauce?
You can use extra barbecue sauce on grilled chicken!
What are your thoughts on making this ahead for lunch? What elements can I combine ahead?
This salad is great for meal prep. Remove the chicken from the skewers and store it alongside the undressed salad. Add a side of ranch and you're good to go!
Should the chicken in chicken salad be hot or cold?
I like to eat it hot, but you can also make it as a meal prep and eat it cold.
How do you cook chicken for salad?
I grilled the chicken for this salad, but you can also bake it or make it in a pan if you do not have a grill.
What is the secret to a good barbecue chicken salad?
Lots of barbecue sauce and fresh vegetables!
What goes on a barbecue chicken salad?
The main components of my barbecue chicken salad are chicken, barbecue sauce, tomatoes, avocado, corn, red onion, fresh herbs and ranch dressing.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, this salad is gluten free as long as you make sure all of your sauces and spices are gluten free.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes, this salad is dairy free as long as you use dairy free dressings!
Can I make this recipe low histamine?
Yes. To make this low histamine, use a ranch dressing you tolerate (try out my low histamine ranch), remove the tomatoes and avocado and make chicken with fresh herbs instead of barbecue chicken.
Related Recipes
If you are looking for additional recipes to bring to a summer BBQ, be sure to try out my:
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BBQ Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 1 grill
- 1 bowl
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 4 skewers
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 3/4 cup bbq sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- dash salt
- 1 container lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 corn on the cob
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 avocados
- 1 tbsp dill
- 1 tbsp chives
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Chop the chicken into small pieces and add to a bowl. Pour in barbecue sauce, salt and garlic powder.
- Add chicken to skewers.
- Season and grill corn and chicken skewers until they are browned and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the corn and chicken are cooking, cut the vegetables and herbs.
- Add the vegetables and herbs to a bowl and drizzle with ranch dressing.
- Serve salad with chicken skewers and enjoy!
Shirleen
This salas came out so great! I ended up just baking the thin-sliced chicken breast which still tasted great. My Husband loved it. Thank you!
Lauren
Amazing!
Rachael Turnquist
Another easy and tasty recipe! Thank you!!