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For a tasty BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped - 1 cup sweet corn, drained (canned or fresh) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup ranch dressing - ½ cup BBQ sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish Each ingredient adds flavor and crunch. The sweet corn gives a nice pop, while the cherry tomatoes bring juiciness. Red bell pepper adds a crisp bite. Use fresh lettuce for a refreshing crunch. The ranch dressing and BBQ sauce together create a creamy and tangy mix that ties everything together. You do not need fancy tools for this salad. Here are a few must-haves: - Large mixing bowl - Small bowl for dressing - Cutting board - Sharp knife - Serving bowls or plates A good knife will help you chop your veggies easily. The mixing bowl is perfect for tossing all the ingredients together. Having clear serving bowls makes the salad look beautiful and vibrant. This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Here’s a general breakdown per serving: - Calories: ~350 - Protein: ~30g - Carbohydrates: ~25g - Fat: ~15g This salad packs a protein punch from the chicken and cheese. The veggies provide vitamins and minerals. It’s a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy. Enjoy your BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad guilt-free! To start, you need your chicken ready. If you have pre-cooked chicken, just shred or chop it into small pieces. If you are cooking from raw, grill or bake it. Make sure it cooks all the way through. Then, shred it. This adds flavor and makes it easier to mix. Next, grab a large bowl. In this bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Then, pour in the sweet corn and halved cherry tomatoes. Dice the red bell pepper and add it too. Lastly, thinly slice the red onion and toss it in. Gently mix everything to combine the colors and textures. Now, let’s make it tasty! In a separate small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Stir them until they blend well. Pour this mixture over your salad. Toss everything together, so every bite gets flavor. Before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like, garnish with fresh cilantro for that pop of color! To create the best dressing, combine ranch and BBQ sauce. Start with half a cup of each. Mix them in a small bowl until they blend smoothly. This mix gives a nice balance of creamy and tangy flavors. If you want a kick, add a dash of hot sauce. Taste it. Adjust seasonings if needed. This dressing will elevate your salad. Serve your BBQ ranch chicken salad in clear bowls. This lets the bright colors shine. Layer the salad for a stunning look. Start with the romaine, then add corn, tomatoes, and chicken. Top with cheese for a pop of color. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the top for flair. A lime wedge on the side adds freshness and style. Season your salad for added flavor. Use salt and pepper to enhance taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro give a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder or onion powder for depth. If you love spice, add chili powder or cayenne. Experiment to find your perfect blend. Enjoy the flavors! {{image_2}} You can easily adjust this BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad for special diets. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing. If you're dairy-free, swap cheddar cheese for avocado or a vegan cheese. For gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Use whole veggies without canned corn for a fresher taste. Want more protein? Add black beans or chickpeas. They blend well and add a nice texture. You can also use grilled shrimp or tofu for a twist. For veggies, try adding diced cucumbers or shredded carrots. They add crunch and color. You can never go wrong with tossing in extra greens like spinach or arugula. To make it spicy, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This brings a nice heat to the salad. If you prefer sweet, drizzle honey over the top or add diced mango. This contrast of flavors can make each bite exciting. Adjust the BBQ sauce to be sweeter or spicier based on your taste. To store BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, put leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents spills. Make sure to cover it well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you added dressing, the salad may get soggy over time. I do not recommend freezing BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad. The veggies will lose their crunch and texture. However, you can freeze the chicken separately. Just place it in a freezer bag, remove as much air as you can, and seal it tight. For the freshest taste, eat your salad within three days. If you store the dressing separately, it can last longer. Homemade ranch dressing keeps for about a week in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and tastes great. Just shred the chicken into pieces. This option adds a nice flavor and makes prep quick. It's perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without much work. If you want to swap ranch dressing, try Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can mix them with some spices for flavor. Another option is a vinaigrette or even a spicy dressing. Experiment to find your favorite taste. Each of these choices brings a different twist to the salad. The BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you add the dressing, eat it within 2 days for best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is a tasty option for meals. We covered the ingredients, tools, and nutrition. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the chicken, mix the salad, and dress it. We shared tips to perfect your dressing and presented serving ideas. Variations let you tailor the dish for any taste or diet. Lastly, you learned key storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t be afraid to experiment!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Elevate your mealtime with this delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad! Packed with vibrant ingredients like tender chicken, sweet corn, and crunchy veggies, this quick 15-minute recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors. Toss it in a zesty ranch and BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering finish. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to make. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a fresh twist on salad tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

1 cup sweet corn, drained (canned or fresh)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup ranch dressing

½ cup BBQ sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking from raw, grill or bake the chicken until cooked through, then shred.

    Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.

      Add the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the vegetables and stir to combine.

        Dress It Up: In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce together until well combined. Pour over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well coated.

          Cheese It: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the salad. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

            Serve: Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in clear bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for a decorative finish and add a wedge of lime on the side for an extra kick!