Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup crushed tortilla strips or tortilla chips
For the BBQ Ranch Dressing
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Jalapeño slices
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
- Pickled red onions
- Extra avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breast with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, simply shred or chop it into small pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, rinse the black beans, drain the corn, chop the cucumber, and finely dice the red onion.
Pat all vegetables dry to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Ranch dressing
- Barbecue sauce
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust with more BBQ sauce for sweetness or extra lime juice for brightness.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine:
- Romaine lettuce
- Chicken
- Tomatoes
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Cheddar cheese
- Avocado
- Cilantro
Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Reserve the remaining dressing for serving.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed tortilla strips over the top to keep them crispy.
Garnish with extra cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is delicious served with:
- Warm garlic bread
- Cornbread
- Mexican rice
- Tortilla soup
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh fruit
- Baked potatoes
- Quesadillas
- Iced tea
- Fresh lemonade
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grilled chicken for the best smoky flavor.
- Dry the lettuce thoroughly after washing to help the dressing cling better.
- Add avocado and tortilla strips just before serving.
- Chill the dressing for 30 minutes before using for even better flavor.
- Rinse canned beans well to remove excess sodium.
- If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately until serving.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Southwest Salad
Add:
- Diced jalapeños
- Chipotle powder
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Hot sauce
for a spicy kick.
Bacon BBQ Chicken Salad
Mix in:
- Crispy chopped bacon
- Extra cheddar cheese
for an even richer version.
Vegetarian Version
Replace the chicken with:
- Grilled tofu
- Roasted chickpeas
- Extra black beans
for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the corn and tortilla strips, and add extra avocado and grilled peppers.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing and tortilla strips separate if making ahead to preserve freshness and crunch.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. The smoky grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and crunchy tortilla strips come together with a tangy BBQ ranch dressing to create a meal that’s both filling and refreshing. It’s easy to customize, ideal for meal prep, and perfect for everything from casual lunches to family dinners or summer gatherings. Every colorful bite is packed with texture, freshness, and irresistible flavor.