Looking for a vibrant and satisfying salad that captures the essence of summer? This Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad is the perfect answer, combining bold flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s not just a meal; it’s a colorful experience in a bowl. With tender barbecue-marinated chicken thighs, crisp romaine, grilled corn, black beans, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is a celebration of tastes and textures.
Perfect for meal prep or a healthy summer dinner, this Barbecue Chicken Salad Recipe takes your typical salad to the next level. The BBQ ranch dressing adds a creamy finish that melds beautifully with the smoky, charred chicken, while the black beans and corn provide a satisfying heartiness. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this salad checks all the boxes.
Delicious and Healthy Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad
This vibrant Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad showcases a delightful marriage of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy BBQ ranch dressing.
The combination of tender, marinated chicken thighs, black beans, and sweet corn provides a filling yet healthy option, perfect for those looking for summer salad ideas.
The addition of crispy tortilla strips and shredded cheese elevates this dish, adding both texture and richness. This BBQ Chicken Salad Meal Prep is not only satisfying but also easy to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering.
Flavorful Ingredients
One of the highlights of this Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad is its colorful array of ingredients.
Starting with a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, the salad features grilled corn that adds a sweet, smoky flavor, alongside black beans that contribute heartiness.
Halved cherry tomatoes offer a juicy burst, while diced red onions add a subtle bite, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. This mixture of Chicken, Black Beans, Corn, and fresh veggies makes this dish bright and appealing.
Marinating and Grilling Chicken
Marinating chicken thighs in your favorite BBQ sauce is essential for infusing flavor into the meat.
By allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, you ensure that each bite is juicy and packed with BBQ goodness.
Grilling the chicken to achieve that perfect char adds depth to the salad, making it a standout dish for summer occasions.
Assembling the Salad
Combining your chopped romaine, grilled corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onions in a large bowl is the next step.
The real magic happens when you layer the sliced grilled chicken on top, drizzling with BBQ ranch dressing for a creamy finish.
This step not only enhances the flavors but also invites the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through, making it a visually appealing dish.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful crunch, top your salad with crispy tortilla strips and optional shredded cheese before serving.
This added layer of texture complements the freshness of the salad.
Serving immediately ensures that the ingredients remain crisp and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for a healthy summer dinner recipe that can also double as a BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad for meal prep throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of this Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad offers a well-balanced meal with a good mix of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
With approximately 350 calories per serving, it aligns well with low-carb diet principles while still delivering satisfying flavors.
This salad not only makes for a delicious meal but also supports health and wellness, making it a smart choice for any occasion.
Delicious and Healthy Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad
This BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful dressing. The combination of chicken, black beans, and corn makes it a filling yet healthy option, great for low carb diets. The salad is topped with tortilla strips and shredded cheese for an added crunch and richness.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, marinated in BBQ sauce
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup grilled corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup BBQ ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Tortilla strips for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a bowl with your favorite BBQ sauce. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through and charred. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, grilled corn, black beans, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss to mix well.
- Assemble the Salad: Slice the grilled chicken and layer it on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle with BBQ ranch dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with tortilla strips and shredded cheese, if desired. Serve immediately for a refreshing summer meal.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 24g