Fresh BBQ chicken salad with romaine, black beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes, tossed in ranch dressing and topped with tortilla strips. Quick and easy to make, this flavorful salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
⅓ cup chopped cilantro leaves, thick stems removed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
½ cup chopped jicama
15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
⅓ cup ranch salad dressing
⅓ cup BBQ sauce, divided
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (rotisserie works well)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 limes, cut into wedges
1 cup chopped Roma tomatoes
1 avocado, chopped
Tortilla strips, for garnish

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cilantro, basil, green onions, corn, jicama, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese. Toss with ranch dressing until evenly coated. Divide the salad mixture into 4 serving bowls.
In a small bowl, mix the chopped chicken with 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and freshly ground black pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken in the center of each salad bowl. Drizzle with the remaining BBQ sauce.
Arrange chopped tomatoes and avocado around the edges of each bowl. Sprinkle tortilla strips on top.
Serve with a lime wedge for squeezing over the salad just before eating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, vibrant ingredients combined with tender BBQ chicken.
Easy to prepare with minimal cooking—rotisserie chicken makes it even faster.
Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor in every bite.

Tips

Use fresh corn for a sweeter crunch, or thaw frozen corn before adding.
Chop ingredients into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Toss chicken with BBQ sauce just before serving to keep it tender and juicy.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier twist.
Use grilled or baked chicken if you prefer homemade over rotisserie.
Add roasted red peppers, sliced radishes, or cucumber for extra freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep all ingredients except chicken and avocado up to a day in advance. Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy lettuce.

Can I use a different dressing?
Ranch pairs well, but creamy cilantro or Caesar dressing can be used for a different flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free tortilla strips.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side.
Add extra lime juice or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for bold flavor.
Perfect as a light lunch, dinner, or for meal prep during the week.