This colorful, one bowl BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies and lots of flavor! We’ve all had salad with BBQ chicken and ranch, but have you ever tried BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad? It has the most delicious dressing and it’s packed with protein. Protein is something I have been working hard to increase over the last few years because I have a connective tissue disorder. Increasing protein has been so beneficial for me! I love chicken salad for this reason because it is so easy to throw together. This salad is ideal for warm weather BBQs and backyard entertaining. It’s also a quick and easy meal prep recipe – you can whip it up in under 30 minutes. Packed with creamy AND crunchy texture from the dressing and beans, the flavor is punchy and party-perfect. For other BBQ recipes you can’t miss – try my Street Corn Chicken Salad, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and my Spring Roll Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Want something new to make this grilling season? This is a unique hot weather salad that everyone will love.
You will love the fresh flavor from the veggies and tender chicken!
I’m crazy about the creamy and bold dressing! The mix of BBQ sauce and ranch is delicious.
Full of shortcuts, this recipe is great as a last minute or potluck party recipe.
Protein and fiber packed – I love all the goodness it has packed into it!
Super versatile – this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is great on its own, with toppings, as a filling and more.
This recipe is ideal for meal prep. You’ll love having a batch in the fridge!
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this BBQ ranch chicken salad is a large mixing bowl, a cutting board and knife.
Ingredients Needed
Chicken: I like to use either a rotisserie chicken or cook a chicken breast and then shred it. My hack for shredding chicken breast is putting it in a Kitchenaid or using a hand mixer. You can also just use two forks.
Corn: Roasted or grilled corn adds the most delicious flavor and texture to this BBQ ranch chicken salad.
Radishes: Freshly grated or shaved radish is super crunchy!
Carrots: Freshly grated, it adds sweetness to this recipe.
Red onion: Chopped or grated, red onion is sweeter and milder than white onion.
Red pepper: You could also use any color, of course – I love the bright pop of red.
Beans: Drained canned beans like black beans are perfect in this salad.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand! I love Primal Kitchen BBQ because it uses simple and clean ingredients.
Ranch: I love this rich and creamy dressing in this salad. You can use store-bought dressing or make your own. Try my dairy free ranch dressing recipe!
Green onion: This is optional, but I love adding them on top for some extra freshness and crunch!
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl.
Step 3: Keep the salad in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve it with tortilla chips or in lettuce boats.
Storage
For meal prep, this BBQ ranch chicken salad will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container.
You could also choose to add the dressings just before serving – it’s up to you!
Variations
Vegetables: Use cucumber or celery in your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad instead!
Chickpeas: Swap the beans for chickpeas or combine them with the beans.
Protein alternative: Use pulled pork instead of chicken and add some shredded cabbage!
Vegetarian: You can also skip the chicken and opt for chickpeas instead!
How To Serve
This BBQ ranch chicken salad is so useful to have in the fridge – here are all the ways I use it:
- Tuck it into a gluten free pita, a sandwich or wrap.
- Serve it chilled as an easy summer lunch with some tortilla chips or lettuce boats.
- Pop some into a mason jar and eat it on the run.
- Serve it as a salad or side at a cookout.
Recipe FAQ
Is this dairy free?
If you use a dairy free ranch dressing then yes, it will be dairy free.
What else can I add to this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad?
Add tomato, shredded cheese, diced avo, sliced apple – the list is endless.
What should I serve with this dish?
Tortilla chips and lettuce boats are so good!
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yup! Most definitely.
Related recipes
Be sure to try these fun BBQ ideas next:
Chicken Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
If you make this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken or 1 lb cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup roasted or grilled corn
- 4 radishes grated
- 2 carrots grated
- 1/2 red onion chopped or grated
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1 can beans
- 1 bottle bbq sauce
- 1 bottle ranch
- 1 tbsp green onion chopped
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients in large bowl.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Serve with chips or in lettuce boats. Enjoy!
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