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 full of 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 as we speak!
If you understand me, you understand I like an enormous, meal-sized salad that’s full of protein, loaded with texture, and bursting with taste — and this one checks all of the packing containers.
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 high for that excellent salty crunch. It’s severely so good… I can’t wait so that you can attempt it!
Why You Gotta Strive This One
- Full of taste: Between the smoky grilled BBQ hen, creamy avocado, candy corn, and crunchy tortilla chips, each chunk is a taste bomb.
- Protein-packed: With hen and black beans, this salad is full of over 40 grams of protein and is assured to maintain you full and glad.
- Fast & simple: Excellent for busy weeknights or once you don’t really feel like turning on the oven. Simply grill, chop, and drizzle!
- Meal prep–pleasant: Prep every part forward of time and simply assemble once 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 upfront, if desired!
- romaine lettuce – I like utilizing romaine lettuce on this salad for the additional crunch, however you may use any greens you’ve available!
- black beans – I like utilizing canned black beans to avoid wasting time. Simply ensure you drain and rinse them effectively!
- candy corn – frozen or recent each work. When you have time to grill the corn, it provides a lot taste!
- cherry tomatoes – any sort of tomato works however I’m a fan of cherry tomatoes as a result of they’re so candy.
- purple onion – add somewhat zest to the salad with chopped purple onion!
- avocados – I 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 at liberty to omit the cheese to make this salad dairy-free or use a vegan model.
- crushed tortilla chips – any tortilla chips work! We’re huge followers of Late July tortilla chips, however the Siete model is nice in case you are searching for a grain-free possibility.
- BBQ sauce – make your personal or use a store-bought sauce. I just like the Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce as a result of there isn’t a added sugar!
- ranch dressing – once more, do-it-yourself or store-bought works! I like making my vegan ranch dressing, but when I’m quick 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 modify issues up based mostly on what you want or what you’ve received within the kitchen:
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, a splash of scorching sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce to provide this salad somewhat 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 may completely use combined greens, spinach, and even massaged kale if that’s what you’ve.
How you can Make This BBQ Hen 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, purple onion, avocado, and shredded cheese.
Step 2: Toss to mix. Drizzle ranch dressing and extra BBQ sauce over every bowl. Get pleasure from instantly!
Fast Shortcuts to Make This Salad Even Simpler
Need to whip up this BBQ hen salad very quickly? Listed here are a couple of shortcuts that can assist you get it on the desk quick — excellent 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 must 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 superb rec!
- Go for pre-shredded cheese. I often advocate shredding your personal for greatest texture and soften, however once you’re quick on time, pre-shredded works simply high-quality.
How you can Retailer BBQ Hen Salad
Have leftovers? When saved correctly, the elements will keep recent within the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Retailer parts individually: Hold the hen, veggies, and dressings in separate containers to keep away from sogginess.
- Hold the lettuce dry: Be sure that 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 perfect texture and taste.
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How you can Meal Prep This BBQ Hen Salad
This salad is ideal for meal prep and might be prepped a few other ways!
Layer your elements in a wide-mouth mason jar to maintain issues recent and crisp. Once 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)
- Crimson onion and corn
- Black beans, cherry tomatoes, romaine, and cheese
- BBQ hen on high
Meal Prep Container:
Use an ordinary 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.
