BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing Recipe

If you’re craving bold flavor and crave-worthy crunch, this BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing is about to become your new obsession. Savory BBQ-glazed chicken, crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a smoky, tangy dressing—it’s a vibrant, satisfying salad that brings the taste of summer to your table any time of year!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love recipes that use everyday ingredients but taste gourmet? Each component in this BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing adds its own pop of flavor and texture—think crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, smoky chicken, and a BBQ-flecked drizzle that ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll gather for salad magic:

• Cooked Chicken (1.5 cups, chopped or shredded): Rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken works; just make sure it’s bite-sized for easy eating.
• BBQ Sauce (¼ cup, plus more for dressing): Choose your favorite brand or homemade—smoky, sweet, tangy, and the heart of this recipe.
• Romaine Lettuce (6–8 cups, sliced): Crisp, sturdy, and perfect for holding all the toppings and dressing.
• Black Beans (1 cup, canned): Adds a hearty, satisfying bite—just drain and rinse before using.
• Canned Corn (1 cup): Sweet crunch that balances the barbecue flavors beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, sliced): Adds juicy, vibrant bursts of color and flavor.
• Avocado (1, diced): Rich, buttery texture that plays perfectly with the crisp lettuce.
• Red Onion (½ cup, diced): Sharp and zippy, for that essential fresh “bite.”
• Scallions (¼ cup, chopped): Mild onion flavor and a lovely green accent.
• Cashews (¼ cup, chopped): For crunch, creaminess, and that little something extra. Toast if you like for more flavor!
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Forms the creamy backbone of the dressing.
• More BBQ Sauce (¼ cup, for dressing): Keeps the BBQ party going in every bite.
• Fresh Lime Juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens and tangs up the dressing, balancing the richness.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste—don’t underestimate the power of seasoning!

Variations

The real beauty of BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing? You can totally make it your own! Whether you’re looking for a meat-free version, adding extra veggies, or switching up the dressing, there’s a delicious way for everyone to dig in and enjoy.

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu tossed in BBQ sauce for plant-based protein and flavor.
• Cheese, Please: Try sprinkling shredded cheddar, feta, or even crumbled cotija cheese for a salty, creamy boost.
• Extra Greens: Add baby spinach, kale, or even shredded cabbage alongside romaine for more color and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Toss in sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle powder to the dressing if you like a little heat in your salad!
• Dairy-Free Dressing: Sub vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt for classic mayo to meet your dietary needs.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing

Step 1: Toss the Chicken in BBQ Sauce

Start by adding your cooked chicken to a bowl. Pour BBQ sauce over the top and stir well, ensuring every piece is glossy and coated in that sticky-sweet, smoky goodness. This step is where the salad gets its unmistakable BBQ flavor, so don’t be shy with the sauce!

Step 2: Layer the Salad Base

On a large serving platter or in a big salad bowl, arrange your sliced romaine lettuce. You want a generous, leafy bed to catch all those toppings. Tip: Roll your romaine leaves up like a log and slice into ribbons for maximum texture and easier tossing later!

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Toppings

Scatter on the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, scallions, and avocado. Follow with a sprinkle of chopped cashews. Try to spread everything out evenly so each serving gets a mix of all that crunchy, creamy, zesty goodness.

Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy BBQ Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, BBQ sauce, lime juice, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and blush-pink from the BBQ sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning or lime juice as you please—this is where you can make it tangier or zestier!

Step 5: Toss & Serve

Drizzle the creamy BBQ dressing over the entire salad, then gently toss until everything’s lightly coated and glossy. Serve cold, straight away, and get ready for lots of happy crunches as everyone digs in!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing

Garnishes

Liven up your BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing with a finishing scattering of extra scallions, a squeeze of fresh lime, or even a sprinkle of cilantro if you’re a fan. A few more crunchy chopped cashews or a pinch of smoked paprika on top makes it extra photo-worthy and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough for a meal, but I love pairing it with warm cornbread, grilled pita, or crispy tortilla chips for dipping and scooping. If you want a lighter side, a fresh fruit salad or simple cucumber slices works beautifully alongside the robust BBQ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing in a big communal bowl for family dinners, or build individual mason jar salads for easy meal prep and adorable picnics. You can even pile it onto tostadas, stuff into lettuce wraps, or tuck into whole-grain tortillas for a crave-worthy wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra salad and dressing separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The undressed BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing will stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 days; just add the dressing right before serving for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This is one salad best enjoyed fresh—freezing isn’t recommended, since lettuce and avocado don’t hold up well to thawing. However, you can freeze extra BBQ chicken by itself and defrost as needed for quick future salads or wraps.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! Simply toss the salad ingredients with the dressing and enjoy cold, straight from the fridge. If you’re using leftover chicken that’s just out of the fridge, you can let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before tossing everything together.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a craveable twist on classic salad, give this BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Dressing a whirl. There’s something downright joyful about all those fresh flavors mingling in every bite! I hope it becomes a staple at your table—let me know how you make it your own, and happy crunching!

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