There’s something about a hearty BBQ chicken salad that just feels like summer in a bowl. The smoky, sweet flavors of barbecued chicken, combined with crisp, fresh veggies and a luscious, creamy avocado dressing, make for a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to bring to a backyard gathering, this salad is a guaranteed hit.
The beauty of this recipe is its balance of textures and flavors—tender chicken, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a velvety avocado dressing that ties it all together. Plus, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
If you love a good BBQ-inspired meal but want something a little lighter, this salad is the perfect way to enjoy those smoky, tangy flavors in a fresh and wholesome way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick assembly make this an effortless meal.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Loaded with fresh ingredients – Crisp veggies, grilled chicken, and a creamy homemade dressing make every bite flavorful.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients based on what you have or love. Add extra toppings like black beans, corn, or cheese for even more flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can quickly grill, bake, or sauté it. Once cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with BBQ sauce, making sure it’s well coated. Set aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Avocado Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. The dressing should be creamy but pourable. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Arrange the BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, black beans, diced avocado, and cilantro on top.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine, or serve the dressing on the side for individual portions. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience – If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and toss it with BBQ sauce.
- Adjust the dressing consistency – If the avocado dressing is too thick, add a little more water or lime juice to thin it out.
- Make it dairy-free – Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or a little extra olive oil for a completely dairy-free option.
- Customize with toppings – Crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or even a handful of roasted pepitas can add extra crunch and flavor.
- Chill before serving – Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (if using pre-cooked chicken)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to keep everything crisp.
- For a spicier kick, mix a little hot sauce into the BBQ chicken or add sliced jalapeños to the salad.
- If you prefer a smoky dressing, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the avocado dressing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 9g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! To keep it fresh, store the ingredients separately and assemble the salad just before serving. The avocado dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What other proteins can I use?
Grilled shrimp, tofu, or even shredded turkey work well in place of chicken. Just toss them with the BBQ sauce for that same smoky flavor.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought avocado ranch or cilantro-lime dressing can be a great substitute.
How do I keep avocado from browning?
Adding lime juice to the diced avocado helps slow browning. If prepping in advance, store the avocado in an airtight container with a little extra lime juice.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate for best results.
- Dressing Storage: The avocado dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for about 2 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent oxidation.
- Meal Prep Tip: If making for meal prep, layer ingredients in a jar or container with the dressing at the bottom and lettuce on top to keep everything fresh.
Related Recipes
If you loved this BBQ chicken salad, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is the perfect blend of fresh, smoky, and creamy flavors in one wholesome dish. It’s easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and completely customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a light dinner, a meal prep lunch, or a backyard cookout, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
Try it out and let me know what you think! What toppings or twists would you add to make it your own?
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BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Description
There’s something about a hearty BBQ chicken salad that just feels like summer in a bowl. The smoky, sweet flavors of barbecued chicken, combined with crisp, fresh veggies and a luscious, creamy avocado dressing, make for a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to bring to a backyard gathering, this salad is a guaranteed hit.
The beauty of this recipe is its balance of textures and flavors—tender chicken, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a velvety avocado dressing that ties it all together. Plus, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
If you love a good BBQ-inspired meal but want something a little lighter, this salad is the perfect way to enjoy those smoky, tangy flavors in a fresh and wholesome way.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can quickly grill, bake, or sauté it. Once cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with BBQ sauce, making sure it’s well coated. Set aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Avocado Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. The dressing should be creamy but pourable. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Arrange the BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, black beans, diced avocado, and cilantro on top.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the salad, tossing gently to combine, or serve the dressing on the side for individual portions. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to keep everything crisp.
- For a spicier kick, mix a little hot sauce into the BBQ chicken or add sliced jalapeños to the salad.
- If you prefer a smoky dressing, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the avocado dressing.