This tantalizing recipe of BBQ Chicken Salad with BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing is an explosion of flavors in your mouth. It combines the smoky taste of BBQ chicken with the fresh and vibrant tastes of romaine, cilantro, and lime. It's a salad that isn't just a side dish; it's a main event.
While most of the ingredients are common household items, there are a few you might want to double-check your pantry for. Fresh cilantro and lime juice are crucial for the dressing, so make sure to grab them if you don't have any on hand. Don't forget the buttermilk and mayonnaise for the creamy base of the dressing, and the tortilla strips for that satisfying crunch.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Salad with BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing
Chicken: Used as the main protein in the salad. It is shredded and coated in BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
BBQ sauce: Gives the chicken its barbecue flavor. Also used in the dressing for a hint of smoky-sweet.
Romaine hearts, red onion, and fresh cilantro: The fresh elements of the salad. They add crunch, bite, and a hint of freshness.
Corn and Black beans: Add a southwestern twist, as well as additional protein and fiber.
Cheeses: Both sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are used for their slightly different but complementary flavors.
Tortilla strips: These add an extra crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing and soft chicken.
For the salad dressing: A combination of buttermilk, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices gives this dressing its creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
One reader, Derk Serrano says:
This BBQ chicken salad with BBQ cilantro lime dressing is a game-changer! The flavors are so well-balanced, and the dressing is simply divine. The combination of ingredients creates a burst of deliciousness in every bite. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty salad with a twist!
Techniques for Making BBQ Chicken Salad
How to cook and shred the chicken: Cook the chicken in a crockpot with chicken broth until tender, then shred it and mix in the BBQ sauce.
How to make the salad dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, cilantro, lime juice, white vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cumin, and BBQ sauce until well combined.
How to toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine, red onion, cilantro, corn, and black beans, then toss with the desired amount of salad dressing.
How to top the salad: Sprinkle the salad with the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then add tortilla strips for a crunchy texture.
How To Make BBQ Chicken Salad with BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing
The sweet-smoky flavors of barbecue give this chicken salad its unique flavor. It comes with beans, lettuce, cheese, and a zesty and creamy dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupschicken,cooked and shredded
- 2cupsBBQ sauce,homemade or store-bought
- 2romaine hearts,chopped
- ½red onion,diced
- ¼cupfresh cilantro,chopped
- 1½cupscorn
- 15ozblack beans,rinsed and drained
- 4ozsharp cheddar cheese,cubed or shredded
- 2ozmonterey jack cheese,cubed or shredded
- tortilla strips
For Salad Dressing:
- 1cupmayonnaise
- ⅓cupbuttermilk
- 1tbspfresh cilantro,finely chopped
- 1tbsplime juice
- 1tspwhite vinegar
- 1tspgranulated sugar
- 1clovegarlic,finely minced
- ½tspsalt
- ⅛tspcayenne pepper
- ⅛tspblack pepper
- ¼tspground cumin
- ½cupBBQ sauce
Instructions
-
Once shredded, add the 2 cups of BBQ sauce to the chicken. Set aside until ready to use.
-
Whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, chopped cilantro, lime juice, white vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cumin and BBQ sauce. Set aside until ready to use.
-
In a large bowl, toss the romaine, red onion, cilantro, corn, and black beans. Add the salad dressing to this, or serve it on the side.
-
Top salad with the cheese and tortilla strips. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1035.54kcal
- Fat: 52.10g
- Saturated Fat: 13.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 21.28g
- Carbohydrates: 105.45g
- Fiber: 14.79g
- Sugar: 46.33g
- Protein: 39.02g
- Cholesterol: 95.75mg
- Sodium: 1716.04mg
- Calcium: 381.70mg
- Potassium: 1833.82mg
- Iron: 6.17mg
- Vitamin A: 482.44µg
- Vitamin C: 9.73mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting BBQ Chicken Salad
When preparing the chicken, it's important to remember that slow cooking in a crockpot not only makes the chicken tender and easy to shred, but it also allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth. This results in a more flavorful base for the BBQ sauce. Additionally, when making the BBQ cilantro lime dressing, whisking the ingredients together until they're fully combined ensures a smooth and creamy texture. For an even more intense flavor, consider making the dressing a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more robust and flavorful dressing.
Time-Saving Tips for BBQ Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Prep ahead: Prepare the shredded chicken and salad dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time.
Buy pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to eliminate the need for grating and save time during meal prep.
Chop in bulk: Chop all the vegetables at once and store them in the refrigerator for quick and easy access when making the salad.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For BBQ Chicken Salad with BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
bbq sauce - Substitute with homemade bbq sauce: Homemade bbq sauce can be made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, allowing for a more customizable flavor profile and the option to control the sweetness and spiciness.
Romaine hearts - Substitute with mixed greens: Mixed greens such as spinach, arugula, and kale can provide a variety of textures and flavors to the salad.
Mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dressing.
Buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Combine milk with a small amount of lemon juice to create a buttermilk substitute, which can be used in the dressing for a similar tangy flavor.
Sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda: Smoked gouda can add a rich, smoky flavor to the salad, complementing the BBQ chicken and adding depth to the dish.
Monterey Jack cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can provide a spicy kick to the salad, enhancing the flavor profile and adding a bit of heat.
Tortilla strips - Substitute with crispy chickpeas: Crispy chickpeas can add a satisfying crunch to the salad, and their nutty flavor can complement the other ingredients well.
Cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can provide a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dressing, without the distinctive taste of cilantro for those who may not enjoy it.
Lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to the dressing, offering a refreshing tang to the salad.
Presentation Tips for BBQ Chicken Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting the BBQ Chicken Salad, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use vibrant colors and arrange the ingredients in an artful manner to entice the senses.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a variety of textures to the dish. Consider adding crispy tortilla strips for crunch, and incorporating creamy elements such as the dressing and cheese to create a harmonious balance.
Balance flavors: Ensure that the flavors are well-balanced. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ chicken should complement the freshness of the salad greens, while the tangy cilantro lime dressing adds a zesty kick.
Highlight the BBQ chicken: Showcase the star of the dish, the BBQ chicken, as the focal point of the presentation. Arrange the shredded chicken in an eye-catching manner to draw attention to its succulent, flavorful appeal.
Emphasize freshness: Highlight the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a manner that showcases their natural beauty. Incorporate vibrant greens and colorful accents to convey a sense of freshness and quality.
Utilize garnishes: Consider using edible garnishes such as microgreens or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation, elevating the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the finer details of the presentation, ensuring that each component is meticulously placed to create a visually stunning and appetizing dish.
Create a focal point: Design the presentation to have a central focal point that draws the eye and captures the attention of the diners, creating a memorable and visually striking experience.
Essential Tools for Making BBQ Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Mixing bowls: Various sizes for mixing ingredients and tossing salads.
- Whisk: Used for blending and emulsifying salad dressings and marinades.
- Tongs: For tossing salad ingredients and serving.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Crockpot or slow cooker: For cooking and shredding the chicken.
- Grater: For grating cheese.
- Spatula: For mixing and serving the salad.
- Salad spinner: For washing and drying lettuce and other greens.
- Small saucepan: For heating and mixing the BBQ sauce for the chicken.
- Garlic press: For mincing garlic for the salad dressing.
- Lime squeezer: For extracting lime juice for the dressing.
Storing and Freezing BBQ Chicken Salad
- To store leftover BBQ chicken salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Store the BBQ cilantro lime dressing separately in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
- If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, assemble all the ingredients except for the tortilla strips and dressing. Store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the tortilla strips and dressing just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- To freeze the BBQ chicken for later use, let it cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using it in the salad.
- Note: It's not recommended to freeze the entire assembled salad, as the lettuce and other fresh ingredients will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked and shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce for future use in salads or other recipes.
How to Reheat BBQ Chicken Salad Leftovers
To reheat leftover bbq chicken salad, start by removing any tortilla strips or other toppings that may become soggy when reheated. Place them aside to add back later for that satisfying crunch.
If your salad is dressed, transfer the chicken, romaine lettuce, red onion, cilantro, corn, and black beans to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the ingredients are warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the lettuce to wilt and become unappetizing.
For a crisper texture, you can also reheat the chicken separately in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges. This will help to revitalize the bbq sauce and give the chicken a freshly-cooked taste.
If your salad is undressed, you can reheat the chicken and vegetables together in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-45 seconds, or until heated to your liking. Add the romaine lettuce and any other fresh ingredients after reheating to maintain their crisp texture.
To reheat the bbq cilantro lime dressing, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 10-15 seconds, or until just warmed through. Stir well before drizzling over your reheated salad.
Reassemble your salad by placing the warm ingredients over a bed of fresh romaine lettuce, then top with the reheated chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, and the reserved tortilla strips. Drizzle with the warm bbq cilantro lime dressing and enjoy your revitalized meal.
If you prefer a cold salad, you can also enjoy your leftover bbq chicken salad straight from the refrigerator. Just be sure to store the components separately and assemble them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Interesting Fact About BBQ Chicken Salad
The BBQ Chicken Salad with BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken with the freshness of a salad. The combination of ingredients such as chicken, BBQ sauce, romaine hearts, red onion, cilantro, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, and tortilla strips creates a flavorful and hearty meal. The homemade BBQ cilantro lime dressing adds a zesty and tangy element to the salad, making it a perfect choice for a summer meal or a healthy lunch option.
Is Making BBQ Chicken Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this bbq chicken salad with bbq cilantro lime dressing recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. Chicken and vegetables are generally affordable, while cheese and cilantro can be pricier. The bbq sauce and buttermilk may also impact the overall cost. Considering the versatility and potential leftovers, this recipe can be cost-effective. On a scale of 1-10, the overall verdict for this recipe is 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a reasonable option for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Is This BBQ Chicken Salad Healthy?
This BBQ chicken salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients such as:
- Romaine lettuce, which is high in vitamins A, C, and K
- Black beans, a good source of protein and fiber
- Corn, providing dietary fiber and various vitamins and minerals
- Cilantro, rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and K
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:
- High amounts of BBQ sauce, which can be high in sugar and sodium
- Mayonnaise-based dressing, contributing to increased fat content
- Cheese, adding saturated fat to the dish
- Tortilla strips, which are likely fried and high in calories
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of BBQ sauce used on the chicken or opt for a low-sugar, low-sodium variety
- Replace half of the mayonnaise in the dressing with Greek yogurt to lower the fat content and increase protein
- Use a reduced-fat cheese or decrease the amount of cheese used
- Bake your own tortilla strips instead of using store-bought fried ones, or replace them with a handful of crushed nuts for added crunch and healthy fats
- Add more colorful vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density of the dish
By incorporating these changes, you can enhance the nutritional value of the salad while still maintaining its delicious flavors. The key is to strike a balance between the indulgent elements and the healthier components, ensuring that you can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising your well-being.
Editor's Take on This BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe
The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, crisp romaine, and zesty cilantro lime dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this salad. The use of fresh ingredients like red onion, cilantro, and corn adds a delightful crunch and brightness. The BBQ sauce-infused chicken brings a rich and savory element, while the creamy and tangy dressing ties everything together. The addition of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese adds a satisfying richness, and the tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch. Overall, this BBQ chicken salad with BBQ cilantro lime dressing is a delightful and well-balanced dish that is sure to please the palate.
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Why trust this BBQ Chicken Salad with BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe:
This bbq chicken salad recipe offers a perfect blend of smoky, tangy flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The bbq cilantro lime dressing adds a zesty kick, enhancing the overall taste. With the combination of fresh ingredients like romaine hearts, red onion, corn, and black beans, this salad promises a burst of textures and flavors. The inclusion of sharp cheddar and monterey jack cheese adds a rich and creamy element. The tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch, completing this dish. Trust this recipe for a satisfying, flavorful, and wholesome dining experience.
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