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Salads have long been celebrated as a cornerstone of healthy eating, celebrated for their refreshing flavors, vibrant colors, and the plethora of nutrients they deliver. In recent years, salads have evolved beyond simple greens tossed with vinaigrette; they now offer a canvas for endless creativity and culinary exploration. This is especially true for our featured recipe today: the Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad Delight. This salad beautifully marries the smoky, rich flavors of BBQ chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing.

BBQ Chicken Salad with Ranch Drizzle

Discover the Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad Delight, a perfect blend of health and flavor! This vibrant salad features grilled chicken, crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and zesty black beans, all drizzled with a delicious ranch dressing. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a summer barbecue, this versatile dish is packed with nutrients and customizable to suit any palate. Elevate your salad game with this tasty and satisfying creation that's sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 avocado, diced

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

For the BBQ Sauce:

1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

For the Ranch Drizzle:

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

    - In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.

      Make the Ranch Drizzle:

        - In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency.

          Assemble the Salad:

            - In a large serving bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce as the base.

              - Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the lettuce.

                - Add the cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, and red onion on top of the chicken.

                  Garnish and Serve:

                    - Drizzle the prepared ranch dressing generously over the salad.

                      - Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and add salt and pepper to taste.

                        - Toss gently to combine before serving, or serve layered for a more visually appealing presentation.

                          Enjoy:

                            - Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful BBQ chicken salad as a fantastic lunch or dinner option!

                              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4