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BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
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BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, smoky grilled chicken with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a zesty BBQ-lime dressing. Loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh produce, this salad is quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for lunches, dinners, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb grilled chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Produce

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or cooked)
  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, rough chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Dairy & Cheese

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing & Condiments

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose a smoky, balanced variety)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts until fully cooked and caramelized on the outside. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces to retain moisture and flavor.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken cools, chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Aim to keep all ingredients roughly the same size for balanced bites.
  3. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, diced red onion, cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  4. Dress and Toss: Drizzle the BBQ sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice over the salad. Toss carefully again to coat all components with the smoky and tangy dressing.
  5. Serve Fresh: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors. Optionally garnish with additional cilantro sprigs or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese for a finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use a high-quality BBQ sauce rich in smokiness and balanced sweetness to enhance flavor.
  • Chop all ingredients uniformly to improve texture and eating experience.
  • Letting the chicken rest before chopping keeps it moist and juicy.
  • Prep chicken and chop vegetables ahead of time for faster assembly.
  • Add crunchy toppings like tortilla strips or nuts just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
  • Freezing the prepared salad is not recommended, but grilled chicken can be frozen separately.
  • Reheat chicken gently to avoid drying it out before adding back to fresh salad ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken salad, chopped salad, grilled chicken, healthy salad, quick dinner, gluten-free salad, BBQ chicken chopped salad

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/bbq-chicken-chopped-salad/