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Fresh BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Ranch Dressing

Fresh BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad featuring smoky BBQ chicken, fresh mixed greens, crunchy bacon, and a homemade creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a satisfying meal any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked BBQ chicken, chopped (leftover or freshly grilled; smoky flavor is key)
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, baby spinach, and arugula work great)
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 avocado, diced (ripe but firm)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the hard-boiled eggs: Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10-12 minutes. Cool under cold running water, peel, and chop roughly.
  3. Chop the BBQ chicken into bite-sized chunks or shred it if preferred.
  4. Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly. Tear any large leaves into manageable pieces.
  5. Dice the avocado and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  6. Make the creamy ranch dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and buttermilk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
  7. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base. Neatly group the BBQ chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and red onion in rows or clusters on top.
  8. Serve with dressing on the side or drizzle over the salad and toss lightly before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for the dressing to combine smoothly. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for best texture. Make dressing ahead and chill for at least 30 minutes for better flavor. Toss avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain excess liquid from BBQ chicken to avoid sogginess. Dressing can be stored up to 5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken salad, Cobb salad, creamy ranch dressing, summer salad, quick dinner, healthy salad, leftover chicken recipe

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/fresh-bbq-chicken-cobb-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-ranch-dressing/