Craving a meal that combines the irresistible smokiness of BBQ with the freshness of a crisp salad? Look no further! This Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession, transforming ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn, canned or frozen
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, thoroughly mixing to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the smoky sauce.
- If using frozen corn, quickly thaw and drain excess moisture. If using canned corn, rinse and drain completely.
- Wash mixed greens thoroughly and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess water.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice red onion into delicate rings.
- In a large serving bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the salad.
- Distribute the BBQ-coated chicken evenly over the greens, ensuring good coverage.
- Sprinkle corn kernels across the salad, followed by halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion.
- Optional: If desired, drizzle additional BBQ sauce or a light vinaigrette over the salad for extra flavor.
- Gently toss all ingredients to combine, ensuring each bite has a mix of flavors and textures.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and chicken is at a comfortable temperature.
Tips
- Chicken Preparation: Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken for added convenience and depth of flavor. Shred the chicken into consistent, bite-sized pieces for even sauce distribution.
- BBQ Sauce Selection: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce with a good balance of smoky and sweet notes. Experiment with different brands to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh, crisp mixed greens and pat them completely dry to prevent a soggy salad. A salad spinner works wonders for achieving the perfect texture.
- Temperature Tip: Serve the salad slightly cool or at room temperature to maintain the best flavor and texture combination.
- Customization: Feel free to add additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of cheese to make the salad your own.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
