BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1/4 cup ranch dressing - Salt and pepper to taste The ingredients in this BBQ chicken chopped salad blend flavors and colors. Each item adds texture and taste. The shredded chicken brings protein, while BBQ sauce adds sweetness and smokiness. Fresh corn kernels give a sweet crunch. The red bell pepper adds bright color and crunch. Avocado brings creaminess, and cherry tomatoes add juiciness. Romaine lettuce forms a crisp base. The finely chopped red onion adds a bit of bite. Shredded cheese gives a rich finish. Fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness. This mix creates a salad that is not only tasty but also appealing to the eye. Feel free to swap or add ingredients based on your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a large bowl. Use enough sauce to coat every piece. This adds flavor and makes the chicken juicy. I love using homemade sauce for a unique taste, but store-bought works great too. In another bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the red bell pepper and avocado. Halve the cherry tomatoes. This mix gives a nice crunch and freshness to the salad. Now it's time to bring it all together. Toss the BBQ chicken with the salad base until everything is mixed well. The chicken should be spread evenly throughout. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top, and toss lightly to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish by adding shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for a bright touch. When picking BBQ sauce, think about flavor and texture. Homemade sauce gives you control over taste. You can add more spices or sweetness to fit your needs. Store-bought sauces are quick and easy. Look for ones with natural ingredients. Check the label to avoid added sugars and preservatives. Shredding chicken can be a breeze. Use two forks to pull apart the meat while it is still warm. This method works well for chicken breast. You can also use a stand mixer on low speed. Just place the cooked chicken in the bowl and mix for a few seconds. Both methods save time and effort. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Layer the ingredients wisely. Place the dressing on the bottom and the lettuce on top. This way, the greens stay crisp. If you add avocado, sprinkle some lemon juice over it. This helps prevent browning. Enjoy your salad within two days for the best taste. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and adding flavor. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference, such as cucumbers, carrots, or any seasonal produce. Make It Spicy: For a kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad before serving. Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes after mixing for the flavors to meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this BBQ chicken chopped salad. If you want something different, try grilled shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. You can also use tofu for a meat-free option. Tofu soaks up flavors well and can make the salad filling. The veggies you use can change with the seasons. In summer, add fresh cucumbers or zucchini. They bring a cool crunch. In fall, try roasted sweet potatoes or beets. These add warmth and sweetness. For winter, consider hearty greens like kale or Brussels sprouts. They keep the salad fresh and vibrant. For dressings, you have fun options. Instead of ranch, try a zesty lime vinaigrette. It adds a bright kick. A honey mustard dressing is also great for a sweet touch. You could even mix BBQ sauce with Greek yogurt for a creamy twist. Each option brings a new flavor to the salad. To store leftovers in the fridge, place the salad in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the dressing separate. This helps maintain the salad's crunch. Use the salad within three days for the best taste. If you mix it with the dressing, it may get soggy. Freezing this salad is not ideal, but you can freeze some parts. Freeze the cooked chicken mixed with BBQ sauce. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze corn and diced bell peppers too. Avoid freezing fresh veggies like avocado and lettuce, as they won't thaw well. When ready to serve, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Heat it in the microwave or on the stove until warm. Combine the thawed chicken with fresh salad ingredients. Add dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp. Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad fresh and tasty! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just prepare the chicken and salad base. Keep them separate until you're ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. You can store the chicken in BBQ sauce in the fridge for up to three days. If you want a change, try Greek yogurt or blue cheese dressing. You can also use balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy twist. Each option adds its own unique flavor to the salad. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can easily divide it into lunch-sized portions. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This helps keep the salad crunchy and tasty. Cooked BBQ chicken lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure it’s in an airtight container. Always check for signs of spoilage before using it. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad! This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is simple and tasty. You mix cooked chicken with BBQ sauce and combine it with fresh veggies like avocado and corn. You can switch up the proteins and dressings to your liking. Remember to store leftovers the right way to keep them fresh. Enjoy making this salad any time! It's a great way to eat healthy and satisfy your cravings with flavor.$

A refreshing and hearty salad featuring shredded BBQ chicken and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 unit red bell pepper, diced
1 unit avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
0.5 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
0.25 cup ranch dressing
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
In another bowl, prepare the salad base by mixing the romaine lettuce, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Add the BBQ chicken to the salad mixture, and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top the salad with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for garnish.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or dressings.

Keyword BBQ chicken, healthy, salad