Up next is the salad that I made the creamy avocado dressing for, a hearty BBQ chicken salad that eats like a meal. With the warmer days here there is more time for grilling and throwing some grilled chicken onto a salad makes for some nice quick and easy summer meals. It has been a while since I have done anything with BBQ sauce and I had been craving the some of that tasty, sweet and spicy mixture! A BBQ chicken salad seemed like a great way to go and I was immediately thinking about building the salad up with some tomatoes, black beans and grilled corn from the cob. I was also initially thinking about adding diced avocado but I changed my mind and went with a fresh, creamy, guacamole like avocado dressing instead. The combination of the sweet and spicy BBQ chicken with the creamy avocado dressing was quit impressive and the rest of the salad did not disappoint either! I could easily see adding the diced avocado back into the salad along with the avocado dressing for the texture and even more avocado goodness!
Update: September 4, 2023: This BBQ chicken salad is one of my favourites and I wanted to update the photos! (This time I made it with a cilantro lime ranch dressing which is just as good as the avocado dressing!)
The original photo:
BBQ pulled chicken works well!
BBQ Chicken Salad
A BBQ chicken salad with tomatoes, corn and black beans all dressed up in an amazing avocado dressing.
ingredients
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
- 6 cups lettuce, sliced
- 1 cup tomato, diced
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn (~2 ears), preferably grilled or charred
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced or diced (or pickled red onions)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, torn
- 1/2 cup avocado dressing or cilantro lime ranch dressing
directions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper and grill over medium-high heat until cooked, about 4-6 minutes per side basting the chicken in the BBQ sauce as you go.
- Let the chicken cool a bit and slice.
- Assemble salad and enjoy!
Option: Add crumbled bacon!
Option: Add crumbled tortilla chips!
Option: Add crispy fried onions or crispy fried jalapenos!
Option: Add pickled peppers or pickled jalapenos.
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Anonymous says
I really enjoyed your avocado dressing, it was so dreamy creamy! Then we'll have to try your bbq chicken. Have a wonderfull day!
Anonymous says
oh yum, that dressing sounds delicious! i had my first avocado dressing the other night and it was just delightful! thanks for sharing!
Jennifer and Jaclyn @ sketch-free vegan says
hells yes!
Steve @ the black peppercorn says
I just made an avocado dressing last week for a salad and it was the first time I had tasted it. I really enjoyed it. This recipe for the dressing and the salad looks wonderful Kevin. Great job!!
Gaby Godoy de Porras says
Yum! looks delicious!!! thanks for sharing
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine) says
Yum, this looks like a great summer salad that is not only light but also bursting with flavor!
Rocky Mountain Woman says
My favorite salad with even more avocado goodness!
lovely…
Cathleen says
Wow, this looks absolutely delicious! I love the combination of ingredients. I have never tried making food with avocado yet, I've really got to start!
Joanne says
I was waiting with bated breath and a growling stomach to see what you were gong to do with that dressing! Love it. Also, so happy we got to finally meet!
Carole says
Nice use of avocado. It would be super if you linked this post in to Food on Friday Series which is all about avocado this week.
WokandSpoon says
I like the heat in the dressing! I add chilli to everything.
Tanya Robinson VanElls says
This looks insanely delicious…love that dressing idea…Thank You!
Sara says
Yum, this salad looks amazing! I'm totally in love with the idea of an avocado dressing…looks creamy and so tasty! 🙂
Free Recipes says
Sound delicious for this BBQ recipe! It's make me so hungry! I can't wait to eat this 🙂
Gwen says
Perfect! Putting this on my menu for next week. Can't wait to try the avocado dressing!
mountain mama cooks says
This looks delicious. Light and fresh for the summer. Anything with avocado is a winner in my book!
Stephanie305 says
This was delicious! I followed the recipe exactly as written, and I added cheddar cheese to the salad. My husband and I both really enjoyed it. Thanks!
Anonymous says
You are a culinary genious! I tried the BBQ chicken salad with creamy avocado dressing and am now officially in heaven.
Rachel says
Yum! I like this one 🙂
Chris says
I'll be keeping this in mine, I just smoked a chicken yesterday and have some leftovers.
Kevin says
Joanne: It was great meeting you at the BlogHer Food conference!
Kevin says
Chris: Smoked chicken would be amazing in this salad! I so need a smoker!
vanillasugarblog says
I thought of doing this, but forgot.
How was BlogHer?
Did you eat good food? See any sights?
Kevin says
vanillasugarblog: BlogHer Food was great! The Seattle food scene is really good and filled with tasty food. I got the chance to visit the Pike Market while I was there.
Anonymous says
I made the salad and dressing exactly as the recipes are written and they are wonderful. My daugher and husband used the remaining dressing as dip for veggies at lunch the next day. I will be making this again soon.
John says
Going to try BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing and thanks for the recipe
Anonymous says
This was really good. The dressing is so good and the whole salad came together quickly and was delicious. Thanks for this recipe – we will make this often.
Lily says
Your BBQ chicken salad with that creamy avocado dressing sounds absolutely divine! 😋 The fusion of flavors and textures must create a delightful harmony in each bite. If you’re ever in the mood for more culinary adventures, you should definitely explore the offerings at Secret Recipe(https://secretrecipebd.com/). We’ve got a variety of salads and other dishes that blend fresh ingredients and mouthwatering flavors to satisfy your cravings. Come and experience a world of delicious possibilities!
Heather says
Stupid question…..are the black beans cooked up first? Sorry 😞, novice
kevin says
The black beans can either be cooked (from dried) or canned (drained and rinsed). Enjoy!