This BBQ hen salad is loaded with grilled BBQ hen, black beans, corn, avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, and completed with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. It’s filled with taste, filled with protein, and completely satisfying!
I’ve been making this BBQ hen salad for years, and actually, I’m unsure why it took me so lengthy to share it. It’s a type of “clear out the fridge” meals I toss along with leftover grilled hen, and since I by no means actually measured something, it by no means felt like an actual recipe. However fortunate for you, I lastly perfected it — and I’m so excited to share it right this moment!
If you realize me, you realize I really like a giant, meal-sized salad that’s filled with protein, loaded with texture, and bursting with taste — and this one checks all of the bins.
It’s loaded with grilled BBQ hen, recent veggies, black beans, avocado, and never one however two dressings — my wholesome BBQ sauce and creamy vegan ranch dressing. And don’t skip the crushed tortilla chips on prime for that good salty crunch. It’s severely so good… I can’t wait so that you can strive it!
Why You Gotta Strive This One
- Filled with taste: Between the smoky grilled BBQ hen, creamy avocado, candy corn, and crunchy tortilla chips, each chew is a taste bomb.
- Protein-packed: With hen and black beans, this salad is filled with over 40 grams of protein and is assured to maintain you full and happy.
- Fast & simple: Excellent for busy weeknights or if you don’t really feel like turning on the oven. Simply grill, chop, and drizzle!
- Meal prep–pleasant: Prep every thing forward of time and simply assemble if you’re able to eat for fast lunches all through the week.
Right here’s What You Want
- grilled bbq hen breasts – merely comply with my recipe for grilled BBQ chicke breasts. You possibly can prep the hen 1-2 days prematurely, if desired!
- romaine lettuce – I like utilizing romaine lettuce on this salad for the additional crunch, however you possibly can use any greens you could have available!
- black beans – I like utilizing canned black beans to save lots of time. Simply ensure you drain and rinse them nicely!
- candy corn – frozen or recent each work. When you’ve got time to grill the corn, it provides a lot taste!
- cherry tomatoes – any kind of tomato works however I’m a fan of cherry tomatoes as a result of they’re so candy.
- pink onion – add a bit zest to the salad with chopped pink onion!
- avocados – I really like the creaminess and wholesome fat avocado provides. To pick out a ripe avocado, press the pores and skin in gently. If it provides barely (not an excessive amount of!) it’s ripe.
- shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese – be happy to omit the cheese to make this salad dairy-free or use a vegan model.
- crushed tortilla chips – any tortilla chips work! We’re massive followers of Late July tortilla chips, however the Siete model is nice if you’re searching for a grain-free choice.
- BBQ sauce – make your individual or use a store-bought sauce. I just like the Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce as a result of there is no such thing as a added sugar!
- ranch dressing – once more, home made or store-bought works! I really like making my vegan ranch dressing, but when I’m brief on time I like Primal Kitchen, Tessamae’s or Bolthouse Farm for a wholesome store-bought dressing.
Make This Recipe Your Personal
This salad already packs in a ton of taste and texture, however listed here are a couple of simple methods to change issues up primarily based on what you want or what you’ve received within the kitchen:
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, a touch of scorching sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to offer this salad a bit additional kick.
- Add grains: Bulk it up with cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice. It makes the salad extra filling and nice for meal prep.
- Swap the greens: Romaine provides nice crunch, however you possibly can completely use combined greens, spinach, and even massaged kale if that’s what you could have.
Find out how to Make This BBQ Rooster Salad
Step 1: Seize three bowls and begin with a mattress of chopped romaine or your favourite leafy greens. Layer on the grilled BBQ hen, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, pink onion, avocado, and shredded cheese.
Step 2: Toss to mix. Drizzle ranch dressing and extra BBQ sauce over every bowl. Take pleasure in instantly!
Fast Shortcuts to Make This Salad Even Simpler
Wish to whip up this BBQ hen salad very quickly? Listed here are a couple of shortcuts that will help you get it on the desk quick — good for busy weeknights:
- Grill your hen forward of time or use rotisserie hen. Simply shred the rotisserie hen and toss it with BBQ sauce earlier than including it to your salad.
- Use canned black beans and corn. No have to soak beans or thaw frozen corn — simply crack open a can, drain, and rinse!
- Seize store-bought BBQ sauce and ranch. I shared a few of my favourite manufacturers within the ingredient part should you want a very good rec!
- Go for pre-shredded cheese. I normally suggest shredding your individual for greatest texture and soften, however if you’re brief on time, pre-shredded works simply high quality.
Find out how to Retailer BBQ Rooster Salad
Have leftovers? When saved correctly, the elements will keep recent within the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Retailer parts individually: Maintain the hen, veggies, and dressings in separate containers to keep away from sogginess.
- Maintain the lettuce dry: Make certain your romaine is totally dry earlier than storing to maintain it crisp.
- Wait on the toppings: Add avocado and tortilla chips simply earlier than serving for the very best texture and taste.
Find out how to Meal Prep This BBQ Rooster Salad
This salad is ideal for meal prep and could be prepped a few other ways!
Layer your elements in a wide-mouth mason jar to maintain issues recent and crisp. While you’re able to eat, simply dump it right into a bowl and add your toppings!
- Ranch dressing and BBQ sauce (2 tablespoons on the underside)
- Pink onion and corn
- Black beans, cherry tomatoes, romaine, and cheese
- BBQ hen on prime
Meal Prep Container:
Use a regular glass or plastic container. Begin with chopped romaine and layer the remaining elements in rows or sections. Retailer the dressing individually and wait so as to add avocado and tortilla chips till you’re able to eat.
