BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

Craving a salad with a bold, irresistible twist? This BBQ Chicken Salad is the ultimate flavor-packed meal—juicy chicken tossed in sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, set atop crisp lettuce with all the colorful fixings you love. Trust me, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a crave-worthy lunch or dinner that everyone gets excited about!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about BBQ Chicken Salad is how each ingredient brings something special—a blend of color, crunch, and flavor! Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need and why every element shines in this recipe.

• Cooked chicken (1.5 cups): You can use rotisserie, grilled, or leftover baked chicken—just chop or shred it for juicy, tender bites.
• BBQ sauce (1/4 cup, plus more): Smoky, tangy, and a little sweet, this is the flavor backbone of the salad and the dressing.
• Fresh romaine lettuce (6–8 cups): Crisp and refreshing, romaine gives the salad that satisfying crunch and sturdy base.
• Black beans (1 cup): Earthy and creamy, they add protein and hearty texture—opt for canned beans for easy prep.
• Canned corn (1 cup): Sweet pops of color and flavor! Just drain well so your salad stays crisp.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Slice these beauties in half for juicy bursts of freshness throughout.
• Avocado (1 ripe): Creamy, buttery chunks bring richness and balance to the tangy BBQ.
• Red onion (1/2 cup diced): Slightly sharp for a bright contrast—soak pieces in cold water if you prefer them milder.
• Scallions (1/4 cup chopped): Milder than onion, scallions offer flavor and a pretty garnish.
• Cashews (1/4 cup chopped): These add nutty crunch—try toasted ones for even more flavor!
• Mayo (1/4 cup): The base for a dreamy-creamy BBQ dressing that ties it all together.
• Lime juice (1 teaspoon): A squeeze of citrus brightens and balances the savory notes.
• Salt and pepper: For essential seasoning.

Variations

BBQ Chicken Salad is ridiculously easy to adapt based on what’s in your kitchen, your dietary preferences, or even your mood! Here are a few fun ways to give it your own spin.

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and swap in extra black beans or crispy tofu for a hearty, satisfying bite.
• Dairy boost: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled cotija cheese for a creamy bonus.
• Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder to the dressing for some heat.
• Lower-carb: Replace corn and beans with extra greens or chopped bell peppers for a lighter twist.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad

Step 1: Toss the Chicken in BBQ Sauce

Add your cooked chicken to a bowl and pour the BBQ sauce over it. Use tongs (or even your clean hands!) to toss it all together, making sure every piece is deliciously coated. This step is what gives the chicken its crave-worthy flavor.

Step 2: Arrange the Salad Base

Spread the romaine lettuce across the bottom of a large serving bowl or platter. I love using a wide bowl so you get a colorful, layered effect with all the toppings later on.

Step 3: Add All the Toppings

Scatter the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, diced red onion, scallions, and cashews evenly on top of the lettuce. Go ahead and arrange them in little sections if you want that pretty “restaurant-style” look—or just pile everything on for maximum flavor in every forkful.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy BBQ Dressing

In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, remaining BBQ sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s creamy and smooth—this special sauce pulls the whole BBQ Chicken Salad together!

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the creamy BBQ dressing over the salad, then give it everything a gentle toss so all those flavors mingle. Serve the BBQ Chicken Salad cold—and watch it disappear in record time!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Finish your BBQ Chicken Salad with a shower of scallions, a sprinkle of extra cashews, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For a restaurant-worthy touch, try a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a dusting of smoked paprika—so simple, so stunning.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad truly stands alone, but it’s also amazing with a side of warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or refreshing watermelon in summertime. If you’re hosting, pair it with a cold glass of lemonade or a sparkling iced tea for a true cookout vibe!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your BBQ Chicken Salad in a big family-style bowl for casual gatherings, or build individual salad jars for meal prep on-the-go. For parties, consider layering the components in a trifle dish—it looks gorgeous and guests can scoop out their own servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you anticipate leftovers, store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing. Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge; the veggies and chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the chicken and BBQ sauce freeze beautifully, the fresh veggies do not—so it’s best to freeze only the chicken mixture (up to 2 months), then thaw and assemble new salads when you’re craving BBQ Chicken Salad later!

Reheating

No reheating needed for this vibrant salad, but if you prefer your chicken warm, microwave just the BBQ chicken briefly before assembling. Everything else is at its best served crisp and chilled.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Salad is everything I love about summer, cookouts, and comfort food in one bowl—fresh, vibrant, and satisfying. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights, picnics, or whenever you just need a little BBQ magic!

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