This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust.

Craving a taste of summer, even on a busy weeknight? This Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is your answer! Packed with flavor, protein, and fresh veggies, this salad is quick, satisfying, and perfect for a light yet fulfilling meal. Inspired by classic BBQ flavors with a healthy twist, this chopped salad brings the best of both worlds to your table. Let’s dive into this recipe’s delicious simplicity!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Features layers of smoky BBQ flavor balanced with fresh, crisp vegetables.
Provides a substantial 40g of protein per serving to keep you full and satisfied.
Offers a customizable base that you can adapt to your favorite veggies and dressings.
Is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.
Simple enough for beginner cooks to master on their first try.
Creates an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen with summery goodness.

Ingredients Needed for BBQ Chicken Salad

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce (ensure permissible ingredients)
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup (150g) cucumber, diced
1/2 cup (50g) red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup (160g) corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (60ml) light vinaigrette dressing

For the BBQ sauce, ensure you are using a brand that aligns with your dietary preferences, checking for hidden ingredients. When selecting your vegetables, choose firm, bright produce. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works perfectly. A quick tip for spices: lightly toast them in a dry pan to unlock a deeper flavor profile before using.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Thai Chicken Salad – A zesty twist for spice lovers.

Essential Equipment List

- A grill or grill pan is essential for cooking the chicken perfectly with those signature BBQ marks.
- A large bowl ensures you have plenty of space to toss all your salad ingredients together.
- A good cutting board and knife are necessary for prepping your vegetables and chopping the cooked chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons will help you accurately portion your ingredients for the best flavor balance.

BBQ chicken chopped salad with vibrant colors.

A food processor could speed up the chopping of vegetables if you’re short on time.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easy to scale up for a larger gathering or halve for a solo meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets those delicious grill marks.
Combine chicken breasts with olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure the chicken is fully coated for maximum flavor.

Grill the Chicken

Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
Chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Now it’s ready to join the salad!

Prepare the Salad Base

Combine chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and corn kernels in a large bowl. This creates the vibrant and refreshing base of your salad.

Assemble the Salad

Add the chopped BBQ chicken to the salad base. Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly distribute the chicken and vegetables.
Add diced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro. Avocado adds creaminess, while cilantro brings a fresh, zesty note.
Drizzle with light vinaigrette dressing just before serving. Toss gently to combine.

Serve

Serve your healthy BBQ chicken chopped salad immediately. This ensures the lettuce stays crisp and the flavors are fresh.

CHECK OUT: Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – A refreshing twist for your taste buds!

Tips for Success

Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
To prevent a soggy salad, add the dressing just before serving.
If you’re short on time, use pre-chopped vegetables to speed up the prep process.
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Use a sharp knife to chop the vegetables evenly, ensuring a consistent texture in every bite.

Variations & Substitutions

Close-up of a forkful of BBQ chicken salad.

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or tofu.
If you don’t have romaine lettuce, use mixed greens or spinach as a base.
Swap the vinaigrette dressing for a creamy ranch or honey mustard dressing.
Add black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Serve with a side of whole-grain bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Pair with a refreshing glass of unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water.
This salad is perfect for a summer barbecue or a light lunch.
Garnish with a sprinkle of crumbled cheese, like feta or goat cheese, for added flavor.

Health Benefits

This Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is packed with nutrients. Romaine lettuce provides vitamins A and K, while tomatoes offer vitamin C and antioxidants. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Avocado contributes healthy fats and fiber, promoting satiety and heart health. The variety of vegetables ensures a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making this salad a nutritional powerhouse.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
It’s best to eat the salad cold, but you can gently warm the chicken in the microwave if desired.
Avoid freezing the salad, as the lettuce and other vegetables will lose their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and cooking the chicken. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.

Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What If I Don’t Have a Grill?

No problem! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven.

How Do I Make My Own BBQ Sauce?

Combine tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Simmer until thickened.

Can I Add Cheese to This Salad?

Absolutely! Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or cheddar cheese would be delicious additions.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and ensure your BBQ sauce and vinaigrette are vegan-friendly.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 15g

These values are estimates. For precise stats, use a nutrition calculator.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and healthy salads? Try these other delightful recipes!

Arugula Chickpea and Roasted Beet Salad with Balsamic – A delightful mix of earthy and peppery flavors!
Chickpea Carrot and Zucchini Salad with Ginger Dressing – A refreshing salad bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.
Avocado Chickpea and Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Dressing – A creamy, zesty salad perfect for a light lunch.

Conclusion

This Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and offers a healthy twist on classic BBQ flavors. Whip it up tonight—and let us know how it goes in the comments below!

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe