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BBQ Chicken Salad with Black Beans and Ranch

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
  • 6 cups Romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for crunch)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For the Ranch Dressing:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (adjust for consistency)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • (You can also use store-bought ranch if short on time.)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken : Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Brush both sides with a little olive oil. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Brush generously with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  • Step 2: Make the Ranch Dressing : In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth. Add lemon juice, garlic, parsley, chives, dill, salt, and pepper. Adjust thickness with more buttermilk if desired. Chill in the fridge while preparing the salad.
  • Step 3: Prepare Salad Ingredients : Rinse and chop lettuce. Halve cherry tomatoes and dice avocado. Drain and rinse black beans and corn. Thinly slice red onion.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Salad : Arrange lettuce in a large bowl or platter. Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and cheese. Top with sliced BBQ chicken. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips (optional).
  • Step 5: Dress and Toss : Drizzle ranch dressing generously over the top. Toss lightly to coat or serve dressing on the side for dipping.