If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s equal parts hearty and refreshing, you need the Southwest BBQ Summer Salad in your life. Imagine crisp romaine tossed with smoky BBQ chicken, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tangy black beans—all united in an irresistible BBQ ranch dressing. This is the sort of salad that proves healthy eating can be a true treat, with every forkful delivering summer energy and Southwest spice. Whether you’re prepping a simple lunch, a show-stopping cookout side, or a quick dinner, this Southwest BBQ Summer Salad is the colorful crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to create magic; everything in this salad plays an important role, from crisp greens to creamy avocado. Each addition brings a punch of flavor, color, or texture, making this recipe as visually stunning as it is crave-worthy.
- Romaine lettuce: The crisp, refreshing base that adds crunch and keeps things light.
- Black beans: Earthy, protein-rich, and the perfect Southwest staple for extra fiber.
- Grilled corn kernels: Sweet, smoky, and golden—grilling the corn deepens its flavor and brings out its summer charm.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of color and tang that keep every bite fresh.
- Red bell pepper: Adds bright sweetness, crunch, and a gorgeous pop of red.
- Avocado: Creamy richness that balances the smoky BBQ notes beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A touch of sharpness and melty goodness for hearty flavor.
- Chopped red onion: Lively zip and a little crunch—just enough to accent every bite.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright and herbal, cilantro ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- BBQ chicken breast: Tender, flavorful protein that soaks up smoky, tangy BBQ sauce.
- Ranch dressing: Cool and creamy, ranch gives this salad its irresistible richness.
- BBQ sauce: For that signature Southwest zing and a little bit of sweet heat.
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional): For a toasty, salty crunch on top—skip them for a lighter bowl or gluten-free version.
How to Make Southwest BBQ Summer Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing, drying, and chopping all your fresh salad vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper and avocado, and chop the romaine lettuce and cilantro. Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly so they’re not soggy in your salad, and if you’re using fresh corn, grill it on high heat for a few minutes, then slice the kernels off the cob.
Step 2: Layer the Salad
Grab a large salad bowl—the more inviting, the better! Arrange your romaine as the hearty base, then scatter over the black beans, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, cheddar cheese, red onion, and cilantro. This is where the colors really start to shine, creating an irresistibly fresh-looking bowl.
Step 3: Add the BBQ Chicken
Top your veggie-packed bowl with the star of the show: BBQ chicken breast. If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken tossed with BBQ sauce works beautifully, or use your favorite grilled chicken recipe and shred it into bite-sized pieces. The saucy BBQ flavor brings depth and a little kick to every bite of your Southwest BBQ Summer Salad.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, stir together ranch dressing with BBQ sauce until perfectly creamy and well-blended. This genius BBQ ranch dressing is both zesty and comforting, tying the salad elements together. Drizzle generously over your bowl right before serving.
Step 5: Toss and Top
Toss the salad gently to combine all those bold flavors and coat everything in that divine dressing. Sprinkle tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips over the top for the final flourish of crunch. Serve immediately for peak freshness, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Southwest BBQ Summer Salad
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro, a grind of black pepper, or even a quick extra zigzag of BBQ sauce over the top will make your Southwest BBQ Summer Salad look as irresistible as it tastes. For a restaurant-style finish, add a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Side Dishes
Pair your salad with grilled garlic bread, a chilled watermelon wedge, or a cup of gazpacho for the ultimate summer meal. If you’re hosting a crowd, this salad is the perfect side to smoky ribs or veggie burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for portable picnics, or arrange all the ingredients on a platter “deconstructed style” so guests can build their own bowls. For a fun twist, set up a Southwest BBQ Summer Salad bar with extra toppings, like pickled jalapeños or roasted pepitas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Southwest BBQ Summer Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best texture, keep the dressing and crunchy tortilla strips separate if possible, and add them just before serving.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the fresh vegetables and avocado don’t hold up well to freezing temperatures. The BBQ chicken, however, can be cooked ahead and frozen on its own, ready to toss in when you’re craving a quick salad.
Reheating
Salads are at their best fresh and cool, but if you’d like to enjoy warm BBQ chicken, simply microwave or gently reheat the chicken separately, then add it to your cold salad just before tossing and serving.
FAQs
Can I make Southwest BBQ Summer Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add extra black beans or grilled tofu. The flavor-packed dressing keeps it hearty and satisfying even without meat.
What type Salad
Go with your favorite BBQ sauce—whether sweet and smoky, spicy, or tangy. It’s the quick road to making this salad taste uniquely yours, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Can I use store-bought grilled chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken tossed with BBQ sauce is a great time-saver. You can also use any leftover grilled or roasted chicken you have on hand.
How long in advance can I prepare the Southwest BBQ Summer Salad?
You can prep most ingredients (except avocado and tortilla chips) up to a day ahead and assemble just before serving. Wait to chop and add the avocado and tortillas right before eating to keep things fresh and crisp.
Is this Southwest BBQ Summer Salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the BBQ sauce and tortilla chips you use are certified gluten-free! Just double-check your ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Once you take your first bite, this Southwest BBQ Summer Salad might just become your summertime staple. It’s impossibly fresh, bold, and satisfying any day of the week. Give it a try and let your taste buds celebrate all the colors and flavors of summer!
Print
Southwest BBQ Summer Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for grilling corn and/or chicken if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (or Grilling if preparing fresh chicken/corn)
- Cuisine: Southwest American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southwest BBQ Summer Salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients topped with BBQ chicken and a tangy ranch dressing. It’s a perfect dish for a light and flavorful summer meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup BBQ chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, black beans, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, cheddar cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Add BBQ chicken on top.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Top with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce for a quicker option.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add extra beans or grilled tofu.
- Opt for Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing for a lighter alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
