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Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Herby Ranch

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with Herby Ranch
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A vibrant and healthy Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad with a creamy herby ranch dressing, combining smoky grilled chicken glazed with tangy barbecue sauce over fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that balances bold flavors, textures, and nutrition with easy preparation in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (tangy or sweet, your choice)

For the Salad

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, spinach blend)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber slices
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

For the Herby Ranch Dressing

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim the chicken breasts for even thickness. Brush both sides generously with BBQ sauce and let marinate for 10-15 minutes to soak in the flavor.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the glazed chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
  3. Make the Herby Ranch Dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with mayonnaise. Add finely chopped parsley, dill, and chives, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Arrange mixed greens on a large platter or individual plates. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens. Top with sliced grilled BBQ chicken and drizzle generously with herby ranch dressing.
  5. Final Touches: Garnish the salad with extra fresh herbs or cracked black pepper. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken longer for deeper BBQ flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs for a bright and vibrant ranch dressing.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it juicy.
  • Balance crunchy vegetables with creamy dressing for texture contrast.
  • Add dressing just before serving to avoid soggy greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled BBQ chicken salad, herby ranch dressing, healthy salad, quick grilled chicken recipe, BBQ chicken salad

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/grilled-bbq-chicken-salad-with-herby-ranch/