Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad with Cilantro Ranch, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with fresh ingredients like crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. In just 25 minutes, you can prepare a meal that’s not only delicious but also healthy, making it ideal for summer barbecues, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners. The smoky BBQ chicken paired with zesty cilantro ranch dressing offers a flavor explosion that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large head romaine lettuce (finely chopped)
- ½ cup cooked black beans
- 1 medium ear corn (kernels cut off the cob)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves (chopped)
- ½ cup low-fat buttermilk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup packed cilantro leaves
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper (seeds removed)
- 1 (1-ounce) package Hidden Valley ranch seasoning
- 1 clove garlic (chopped)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Cilantro Ranch Dressing by whisking together low-fat buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro leaves, jalapeño pepper, ranch seasoning, and garlic in a bowl. Refrigerate while you cook the chicken.
- 2. Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking and let rest before slicing.
- 3. In a large bowl, toss together chopped romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and cilantro leaves. Top with sliced BBQ chicken.
- 4. Drizzle with the cilantro ranch dressing and toss gently to combine before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (400g)
- Calories: 818
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 54g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 33g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding. Customize your protein by swapping chicken for turkey or beef if desired.