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To make the Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 large avocado, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (low-sugar, if preferred) - 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, or arugula) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling) You can add more taste and texture to your salad by including: - Black beans for protein - Feta cheese for creaminess - Jalapeños for heat - Chopped nuts for crunch - Fresh lime juice for brightness These add-ins can elevate your salad and make it even more enjoyable. This salad is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here's a quick look at what you're getting: - Calories: About 300 per serving - Protein: Around 30 grams from chicken - Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil provide good fats - Fiber: Vegetables and beans add fiber for digestion - Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from mixed greens and veggies This salad packs a punch in nutrition while being light and satisfying. Feel free to check the Full Recipe for detailed instructions on preparation. To start, cook the chicken breast. You can grill, bake, or boil it. I like grilling for the smoky flavor. Once cooked, let it cool a bit. Then, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix with the other ingredients. In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, diced bell pepper, cucumber, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Make sure to mix these well. Then, drizzle the BBQ sauce over everything. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Adjust the BBQ sauce to your taste. If you like more flavor, add more sauce. For serving, take a handful of mixed greens and place them on each plate. Top the greens with the BBQ chicken mixture. This adds a nice color contrast and makes it look fresh. You can garnish with extra cilantro or diced avocado. Serve in clear bowls to show off the bright colors. Adding a lime wedge on the side gives it a nice touch. Enjoy this Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. When you chop your veggies, use a sharp knife. A sharp knife makes it easy and safe. Cut the bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion into small pieces. This way, each bite has a bit of everything. Mix the salad gently to keep the avocado from getting mushy. For a fun twist, use a large bowl. It gives you room to toss without spilling. Store your Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Keep the BBQ sauce separate if you want to save leftovers. This keeps the greens crisp. When you’re ready to eat, just add the sauce. If you want to reheat the chicken, use a microwave. Heat it for about 30 seconds. This keeps the chicken warm but does not cook the salad. You can swap ingredients based on your needs. If you want to make it vegan, use chickpeas instead of chicken. For a gluten-free option, check your BBQ sauce for gluten. You can also use lettuce wraps instead of greens for a low-carb choice. If you dislike cilantro, fresh parsley works well too. These simple swaps keep your salad tasty and fun! For the full recipe, you can refer back to the list above. {{image_2}} If you want a low-carb or keto option, replace the corn and beans. You can swap them for more leafy greens or zucchini. These changes keep the taste and make it low in carbs. You can also use grilled chicken thighs instead of breast. They add more flavor and fat, which is great for keto diets. This dish is easy to make gluten-free. Just check your BBQ sauce. Many sauces have gluten. Choose a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce. You can also add quinoa or rice for a filling side. They are naturally gluten-free and tasty. Just make sure to rinse them well before cooking. For a vegetarian salad, skip the chicken. Replace it with black beans or chickpeas for protein. You can add grilled tofu or tempeh for a hearty touch. These options keep the salad filling and tasty. Use the same fresh veggies for crunch and color. This version is just as healthy and satisfying. You can find the Full Recipe to help with your meal planning. To keep your Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from getting soggy. If you have leftovers, try to separate the dressing from the salad. This way, the greens stay crisp and tasty. You can keep the salad in the fridge for about 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the vegetables. If you want to save some chicken, you can freeze that. Just ensure it’s in a sealed bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. You can then mix it back into the salad fresh. Each ingredient in your salad has a different shelf life. Here’s a quick guide: - Cooked chicken: 3-4 days in the fridge - Cherry tomatoes: 5-7 days - Corn (fresh): 3-5 days, frozen lasts longer - Bell pepper: 3-4 days - Cucumber: 3-5 days - Avocado: 1-2 days once cut - Red onion: 7-10 days - Cilantro: 1 week - BBQ sauce: Check the label for best-by date Keep these tips in mind to enjoy your Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad longer! For complete details, check the Full Recipe. You can change this salad to fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add fruits: Try diced apples or mango for sweetness. - Mix nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds give a nice crunch. - Change greens: Use kale or arugula for a different base. - Spice it up: Add jalapeños for heat or feta cheese for tang. With so many options, you can make this salad unique each time. Yes, you can prepare parts of this salad in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook chicken ahead: Shredded chicken can be stored for up to three days. - Chop veggies: You can chop your vegetables a day before and keep them in the fridge. - Dress later: Keep the BBQ sauce separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep everything fresh and crunchy when you serve it. You can pair your salad with many tasty sides. Here are a few ideas: - Cornbread: Soft and sweet, it complements the BBQ flavors. - Sweet potato fries: These add some crunch and are a healthy choice. - Fresh fruit: A fruit salad can add a light and sweet touch. - Grilled veggies: Zucchini or bell peppers are great for more color and flavor. These sides will make your meal more filling and enjoyable. This blog post covered a healthy BBQ chicken chopped salad. We explored key ingredients and optional add-ins. I shared step-by-step instructions for making the salad and tips for chopping and storing. You learned about different variations like low-carb and vegetarian. In summary, this salad offers flavor and nutrition. Customize it for your taste and enjoy!

Healthy BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

Savor the flavors of a crunchy healthy BBQ chicken chopped salad that’s perfect for any meal! This colorful dish combines shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty BBQ dressing for a delightful experience in every bite. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.Click through for all the details.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 large avocado, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (low-sugar, if preferred)

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, or arugula)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and chopped cilantro.

    Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the salad mixture, and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference for flavor and moisture.

      In another bowl, place the mixed greens and season lightly with salt and pepper. If desired, drizzle with olive oil for added richness.

        To serve, place a generous handful of mixed greens on individual plates or bowls. Top with the BBQ chicken mixture, ensuring an even distribution.

          Garnish with additional cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

              - Presentation Tips: Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the salad ingredients, and consider adding a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh citrusy touch. Enjoy!