BBQ Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

BBQ sauce and ranch dressing combine for a sweet tang and creamy flavor combo. This BBQ chicken salad with homemade ranch dressing should become a summertime staple. You get all of the flavor of a summer BBQ with a fraction of the effort.

Homemade Ranch is Perfection

The idea came from a restaurant I used to work at. The toppings are the perfect combination and when I say that this salad is the best salad on the planet, I mean it. I made a homemade BBQ sauce and homemade ranch dressing, for ease feel free to use store-bought versions of either or both. The lettuce and veggies become a vessel for the dressing and BBQ sauce.

Ingredients Needed to Make BBQ Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

Salad~

• Chicken Breast (sliced horizontally to make 4)
• Mixed Greens
• Sliced Cucumber
• Sliced Tomatoes or Cherry Tomatoes
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Cilantro

BBQ Sauce~

• Ketchup
• Brown Sugar
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Crushed Chili Flakes

Homemade Ranch Dressing~

• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
• Mayo
• Lemon Juice
• Grated or Minced Garlic Cloves
• Dried Dill
• Dried Thyme
• Salt

How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

STEP 1: Make the BBQ sauce by adding ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and crushed red chili flakes to a medium-sized saucepan. Cook the BBQ sauce over medium heat for 8 minutes until thickened. Pour it into a container to cool.

STEP 2: While the BBQ sauce is cooking prepare the homemade ranch dressing. Combine Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, grated or minced garlic cloves, dried dill, dried thyme, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and set in the fridge for later.

STEP 3: Preheat a large pan over medium heat. Add oil to the pan and seasoned chicken breasts ( I seasoned my chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika) feel free to use your favorite seasonings. Cook the chicken breast for 5-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.

STEP 4: While the chicken is cooking prepare your salad mix and veggies toppings. Add the mixed greens to a large salad bowl. Toss the lettuce with your desired amount of ranch dressing. Top with tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheddar, and cilantro. Serve the salad and top with sliced grilled chicken tossed in homemade BBQ sauce and enjoy!

Notes for Success

Feel free to use your favorite store-bought ranch dressing or BBQ sauce in place of the homemade versions. I seasoned my chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika) you can use your favorite seasonings. The ranch dressing and BBQ sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The ranch dress will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator. and the BBQ sauce will keep up to 2 weeks.

More Salad Recipes~

• Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

• Watermelon and Blueberry Feta Salad

• Grain Bowl with Chicken and Feta Salad

If you make this bbq chicken salad with homemade ranch dressing, be sure to leave a comment and rating. I appreciate your support and feedback and I try my best to respond to each and every comment! Thank you!