Oh, summer! The sun is shining, the grill is smokin’, and everyone’s looking for that *perfect* dish to bring to the BBQ or picnic. You know the one – it’s got to be tasty, easy to whip up (because who wants to be stuck in the kitchen all day?), and just screams ‘summer vibes’. Well, let me tell you, I’ve got just the thing! My Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe For Summer Bliss has been my go-to for years. I remember one sweltering afternoon at a family reunion, everyone was getting a little sluggish, and then I brought out this salad. It was gone in minutes! It’s seriously that good – packed with flavor, super refreshing, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why This Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe Is Perfect For Summer Bliss

Okay, so why is this BBQ chicken salad my absolute favorite for summer? Let me count the ways!

Seriously Easy Peasy: We’re talking minimal effort, maximum flavor. Most of the work is just chopping and stirring. It’s a no-cook wonder, which is a lifesaver when it’s blazing hot outside!
Flavor Town Express: That tangy BBQ sauce mixed with creamy mayo, crunchy veggies, and savory chicken? It’s a flavor party in every single bite. It’s got that perfect sweet, savory, and smoky combo.
The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re heading to a backyard BBQ, a potluck, or just a casual picnic, this salad is always a hit. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish but light enough not to weigh you down.
Super Refreshing: It’s just so darn refreshing! Perfect for cooling down on a hot day. It’s zesty, bright, and delicious.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing BBQ chicken salad, you’ll want to grab a few things. Don’t worry, these are all pretty standard kitchen goodies. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can totally use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even bake some chicken breasts just for this. Just make sure it’s cooled down and in bite-sized pieces.
1 cup BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite! Some people like smoky, some like sweet. I usually go for a medium-sweet one, but you do you!
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the creamiest texture, which is just *chef’s kiss* for this salad.
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Red onion adds a nice little bite and pretty color. Make sure it’s chopped super small so you don’t get a huge chunk of onion in one bite.
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped: This gives us that perfect crunch! Again, chop it nice and fine.
1/4 cup corn, fresh or frozen: I love corn for that little burst of sweetness. If you’re using frozen, just thaw it out first.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: This is my secret weapon for making it taste super fresh and summery! If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can skip it or swap it for parsley.
Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch to bring all those flavors together.
Lettuce leaves for serving: These are like little edible bowls for your delicious chicken salad!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

Alright, getting this deliciousness made is super simple. Seriously, you’ll be shocked at how easily this comes together. It’s perfect for when you need a quick fix or just don’t want to sweat over a hot stove. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have summer bliss in a bowl!

Combining the Base Ingredients

First things first, grab a big ol’ mixing bowl. Toss in your shredded chicken and measure out that wonderful BBQ sauce. Give it a good stir so every last piece of chicken is coated in that smoky, tangy goodness. Then, plop in the mayonnaise. Maybe you’re using a homemade mayo, like this magical garlic mayonnaise? Either way, mix it all up until it’s really creamy and well combined. This is where you build that amazing flavor foundation!

Adding the Fresh Elements for Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad

Now for the fun part! Take your finely chopped red onion, celery, and corn and add them right into the bowl. Don’t forget that fresh cilantro – it really wakes everything up and adds this amazing bright flavor. If you’re not a cilantro person, no worries, a little parsley works too. Just stir it all together until everything is evenly distributed. You don’t want any ingredient hiding!

Seasoning and Chilling for Summer Bliss

Time to taste! Add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Give it another quick stir and taste again. You want it just right for you. The most important step now? Cover that bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those amazing flavors meld together and makes the salad nice and cool. Trust me, the chill time makes all the difference!

Tips for the Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe

You know, making this BBQ chicken salad is already pretty darn easy, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that just make it even better. It’s all about making life simpler and tastier, right? Follow these tips, and you’ll be a salad-making rockstar in no time! For more summer ideas, check out this yummy summer pasta salad or a classic Caprese salad.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

This recipe is super forgiving! Feeling adventurous? Try a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for a little kick, or a sweet honey BBQ sauce for extra sweetness. I also love adding a handful of toasted pecans or some sunflower seeds right before serving for an extra crunch factor. If you’re not a fan of corn, some diced bell peppers or even some crunchy apple would be really yummy in here too! It’s all about making it your own.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Here’s the best part: this salad is a total make-ahead champion! You can mix it all up the day before you need it. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge. The flavors actually get even better as they sit! If you’re storing leftovers, an airtight container is your friend. It should stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, though honestly, it never lasts that long in my house!

Serving Your Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad

Now that you’ve got this amazing BBQ chicken salad ready to go, how should you serve it? Well, the recipe calls for nestling it into crisp lettuce leaves, and honestly, that’s pure summer perfection! It keeps it light and refreshing. But don’t stop there! This salad is so versatile. You can spoon it into warm pita bread or soft sandwich buns for a fantastic lunch or light dinner – check out this awesome chicken sandwich recipe for inspiration! Or, roll it up in a tortilla for a quick and easy wrap. Feeling like something a little more substantial? It’s also surprisingly delicious piled on top of a fluffy baked potato. Honestly, wherever you serve it, it’s bound to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions About This BBQ Chicken Salad

Got some questions swirling around about this Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe? Totally understandable! I’m here to help clear things up so you can make it perfectly. Let’s dive in!

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Oh, absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a total lifesaver for this recipe. It’s already cooked and usually has a great flavor, saving you even more time. Just make sure to shred it up nicely before tossing it in. It works like a charm!

How long does this BBQ chicken salad last in the fridge?

This salad is a make-ahead dream! It’ll stay fresh and delicious in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time!

Is this recipe spicy?

That’s a great question! The spiciness totally depends on the BBQ sauce you use. If you like a little kick, go for a spicier BBQ sauce, or you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix when you’re stirring everything together. If you prefer it mild, just use a sweet or regular BBQ sauce.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you definitely can! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it a day ahead allows all those yummy flavors to really meld together. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator. It’s the perfect dish to have ready to go when guests arrive!

Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up: this stuff is a rough estimate, okay? The exact numbers can totally change depending on the type of BBQ sauce and mayo you use. But generally, one serving (about a cup) of this delicious BBQ chicken salad packs around 350 calories, with about 25g of protein, 20g of fat, and roughly 20g of carbs. Enjoy it knowing it’s delicious *and* satisfying!

Share Your Summer Bliss!

Alright my friends, you’ve got the recipe, you know the tips, now it’s your turn! I absolutely LOVE hearing about your kitchen adventures. Did you try this Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad? How did it turn out? Did you add any fun twists? Please drop a comment below – I read every single one! And if you snapped a pic (because let’s be honest, it’s photo-worthy!), tag me on social media so I can see your summer bliss in action!

Ultimate BBQ Chicken Salad Recipe For Summer Bliss

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and flavorful BBQ chicken salad perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup corn, fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Mix well.
Add the mayonnaise, red onion, celery, corn, and cilantro to the bowl.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve the BBQ chicken salad on lettuce leaves.

Notes

For a spicier salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can grill or bake the chicken before shredding.
This salad can be made ahead of time.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken salad, summer salad, chicken salad recipe, easy salad, picnic food, potluck dish