Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal game with the most mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just a salad; it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the smoky richness of BBQ, the crispy decadence of bacon, and the creamy tang of ranch dressing – all nestled on a bed of fresh, crisp greens. Perfect for a quick lunch, a stunning dinner, or an impressive potluck dish that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding it into bite-sized pieces. If not already cooked, season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly. Spread greens evenly across a large serving platter or individual salad plates.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, ensuring even and attractive presentation.
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing and BBQ sauce until well combined, creating a tangy and creamy dressing.
- Layer shredded chicken evenly over the mixed greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon pieces across the salad.
- Distribute halved cherry tomatoes around the salad.
- Drizzle the BBQ ranch dressing over the entire salad, ensuring even coverage.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and at optimal temperature.
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: For maximum flavor, use freshly grilled or roasted chicken seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully!
- Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until it's perfectly crisp but not burnt. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease and ensure maximum crunchiness.
- Dressing Hack: For an extra flavor punch, mix your BBQ ranch dressing in advance and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Greens Selection: Use a mix of crisp romaine and tender baby spinach for a variety of textures and nutritional benefits.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent soggy greens.
- Customization: Feel free to add extra toppings like sliced red onions, avocado, or corn kernels to make the salad your own unique creation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
