Introduction
Welcome to our delicious and nutritious recipe for BBQ Chicken Salad! This mouthwatering dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also high in protein and low in carbs, making it the perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of barbecue or simply looking for a nutritious salad option, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s dive in and learn how to prepare this delicious BBQ Chicken Salad!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups mixed salad greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced red onions
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup sliced black olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the BBQ Chicken:
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
1. In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess sauce to drip off.
6. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, black olives, feta cheese, and chopped cilantro.
2. Add the sliced BBQ chicken on top of the salad.
3. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
4. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure the salad is evenly dressed.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
Feel free to customize your BBQ Chicken Salad based on your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
Vegetarian BBQ Chicken Salad:
If you’re following a vegetarian diet or simply want a meatless option, you can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the BBQ sauce mixture and follow the same grilling instructions as the chicken. Slice and add it to the salad as a delicious plant-based alternative.
Extra Crunchy Salad:
If you enjoy a bit of crunch in your salad, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds. Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds would all make great additions. Simply sprinkle them over the assembled salad for an extra burst of texture and flavor.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your BBQ Chicken Salad turns out perfectly:
1. To save time, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat even more.
2. If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Feel free to add additional vegetables to the salad based on your preferences. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado would all make wonderful additions.
4. For a creamier dressing, you can mix some Greek yogurt or sour cream with the barbecue sauce before drizzling it over the salad.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Salad is a fantastic choice for those who crave a flavorful and satisfying meal without sacrificing their health goals. With its high protein content and low carb profile, this salad provides a well-rounded and delicious option for lunch or dinner. By following our easy steps and adding your own personal touch, you can create a BBQ Chicken Salad that will impress your taste buds and keep you feeling nourished. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use bottled barbecue sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! While making your own barbecue sauce allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, using a store-bought sauce is a convenient option. Just make sure to choose a sauce that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Can I make this salad in advance?
While it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain optimal freshness, you can prepare the BBQ chicken in advance. Simply store the cooked and sliced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, combine the chicken with the salad ingredients and enjoy!
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the chicken and feta cheese. Instead, you can use grilled tofu or tempeh as a protein source and replace the feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether. The salad will still be flavorful and delicious!
BBQ Chicken Salad (High Protein & Low Carb)
A delicious and nutritious BBQ Chicken Salad that is high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with flavor. Made with BBQ marinated chicken breast strips served on a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, black olives, feta cheese, and cilantro, drizzled with additional barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 cups mixed salad greens
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup sliced red onions
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1/2 cup sliced cucumber
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1/4 cup sliced black olives
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1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1/4 cup barbecue sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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In a small bowl, combine barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish, pour the BBQ sauce mixture over them, ensuring even coating. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
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Remove chicken from marinade, grill for about 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Let chicken rest, then slice into thin strips.
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In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, black olives, feta cheese, and cilantro.
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Add sliced BBQ chicken on top of the salad.
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Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
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Toss gently to combine all ingredients and ensure the salad is evenly dressed.
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Serve immediately.
