BBQ Chicken Salad – An Entree Salad

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

This BBQ Chicken Salad with cilantro ranch dressing is a refreshing and budget-friendly weeknight meal. It’s an entree salad with a combination of Tex-Mex flavors. 

This recipe serves four people and costs about $9.60 to make. That’s just $2.40 per serving.

BBQ Chicken Salad

During the summer, my family spends more time (especially when we have visitors) out and about. You can find us enjoying the beach, amusement parks, fairs, outdoor concerts, summer movies, and more. With all of this entertainment comes more spending.

When the end of the month rolls around, I sometimes have to stretch my food budget. I’m sure you’ve been there, too! That’s why I like budget-friendly meals like this BBQ chicken salad. It’s a refreshing dinner recipe that generally costs under $20 to make for a family of four.

It’s also delicious, chock-full of nutritious veggies, and filling. So filling that I didn’t hear a peep out of my daughter, and she’s a swimmer who often comes home after 2 hour long practices with a big appetite.

Believe it or not, this BBQ chicken salad is enough for a main dish. Usually you don’t need any sides! But if your family’s as hungry as mine, you can serve it with a small portion of a warm side like mac ‘n’ cheese or oven fries.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: BBQ chicken adds a smoky, tangy, and savory flavor to the salad. The combination of tender, grilled chicken coated in barbecue sauce with the fresh and crisp salad ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
• Balanced and Nutritious Meal: This salad is a balanced and nutritious option that incorporates both protein and vegetables. The grilled chicken provides lean protein, while the salad greens, vegetables, and toppings offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 
• Versatility: BBQ chicken salad offers endless possibilities for customization. 
• Easy to Prepare: This salad is relatively simple and quick to prepare, making it a convenient option for a satisfying meal. You can use leftover grilled chicken or cook the chicken specifically for the salad. 
• Perfect for Gatherings and Potlucks: BBQ chicken salad is a crowd-pleaser and a popular choice for gatherings, picnics, or potlucks. 

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Instead of using boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute with other proteins such as grilled shrimp, sliced steak, pulled pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. 
• BBQ Sauce Varieties: Experiment with different flavors of barbecue sauce to add variety to your salad. Try smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy barbecue sauces to suit your taste preferences. 
• Salad Greens: While chopped romaine lettuce is commonly used in BBQ chicken salad, you can mix and match with other greens. Spinach, arugula, mixed salad greens, or even kale can provide different textures and flavors.
• Fresh Herb Substitutions: Instead of using cilantro, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil for a different flavor profile. 
• Additional Toppings: Feel free to add more toppings to your salad to enhance the flavor and texture. Consider including diced red onions, tortilla strips, roasted bell peppers, sliced jalapeños for heat, or crumbled bacon for added smokiness.
• Dressing Options: If you prefer a different dressing, you can substitute ranch dressing with other options such as chipotle ranch, honey mustard, cilantro-lime dressing, or balsamic vinaigrette.
• Customize with Vegetables: Expand the vegetable selection to include your favorites or what you have on hand. You can add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or any other veggies that complement the flavors of the BBQ chicken.

Storage and Serving Tips

SERVE: Serve immediately once you’re done! Alternatively, if you don’t want hot chicken on your salad, you can serve it at room temperature or chilled.

STORE: Store your salad, chicken, and dressing separately in the fridge. They should all stay fresh for 4-5 days (3 days for the chicken). Don’t combine them until you’re ready to eat it all! 

FREEZE: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe, except maybe the cooked chicken. Salad veggies and ranch dressing tend not to survive well in the freezer.

BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs

More Chicken Recipes:

•       Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
•       Air Fryer Chicken Wings
•       Baked Breaded Chicken
•       Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
•       Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps