BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 Servings
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Calories
706 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing
Description
BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing combines shredded cooked chicken tossed in barbecue sauce with a fresh salad mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, red onion, corn, black beans, cilantro, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The creamy dressing is made from mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and spices with a dash of BBQ sauce for a tangy and smoky flavor that ties the dish together.
The chicken is prepped separately and chilled in BBQ sauce before assembling the salad, which is tossed with some or all of the dressing based on preference. The varied textures of crunchy lettuce, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crisp corn create a balanced bite. The dressing's creamy and zesty notes enhance the smoky and fresh elements in the salad.
This salad serves well chilled and can be customized by serving the dressing on the side. It makes a flavorful meal option with a blend of savory and fresh ingredients suitable for lunch or dinner.
The chicken should be cooked ahead of time for convenience; slow cooker preparation is suggested. The dressing can be made up to three days in advance, and the components can be stored separately for up to a day before combining for best freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Salad:
- 3 cups chicken cooked shredded
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- ½ head iceberg lettuce cored and chopped
- 2 romaine lettuce chopped, hearts
- ½ red onion diced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 1 ½ cups corn thawed, frozen
- 1 (15-ounce) (15-ounce) can black beans rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese cubed small or shredded, sharp
- 4 ounces Monterey jack cheese cubed small or shredded
Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise light or regular
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup buttermilk see note
- 2 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped, fresh
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 garlic finely minced, clove
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin ground
- ¼ to ½ to ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- For the salad, combine the cooked chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a large bowl, toss together the iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, red onion, cilantro, corn, black beans and cheese. Toss the mixed salad with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the dressing, if desired. Otherwise, you can serve the dressing on the side. Place salad on plates and top with the prepared BBQ chicken and additional dressing.
- For the dressing, combine all the ingredients together and whisk (or shake, if using a jar) vigorously to combine. You could also run this through a blender to make it even more smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Prepare the cooked chicken ahead to make assembly quicker; slow cooker method works well.
- Make the creamy dressing up to three days in advance and store refrigerated.
- Keep salad components separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
- You can serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as they like.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 706 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 706kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 80g | 27% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1876mg | 78% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 41g | 82% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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