Description
Smoky BBQ chicken, crisp romaine, black beans, sweet corn, ripe avocado, and cherry tomatoes come together under a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. This salad works as a weeknight dinner or a meal-prep lunch that holds up all week.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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- Chicken tenderloins (1 pound): Perfect size for quick cooking, but breasts or thighs work too
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- BBQ sauce (½ cup): Use your favorite! We love a sweet variety to balance the tangy dressing
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- Lettuce (6 cups chopped): Romaine or green leaf lettuce holds up best
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- Black beans (¾ cup): Drained and rinsed, adds protein and heartiness
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- Corn kernels (¾ cup): Fresh is best, but frozen or canned works in a pinch
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- Cherry tomatoes (¾ cup halved): Adds juicy bursts of freshness
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- Red onion (¼ of a large onion): Thinly sliced for a sharp, sweet crunch
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- Avocado (1 large, diced): For creamy richness and healthy fats
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- Salt, black pepper, and paprika: To season the chicken
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- Tortilla chips (optional): For extra crunch!
For the Creamy Cilantro Dressing:
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- Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Creates a creamy base with protein
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- Fresh cilantro (½ cup packed): Use stems and leaves for maximum flavor
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- Fresh lime juice (¼ cup): About 2-3 limes worth for bright tang
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- Olive oil (¼ cup): Helps blend everything smoothly
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- Garlic cloves (2): For that essential kick
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- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds warm, earthy depth
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- Salt (¼ teaspoon): To enhance all the flavors
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- Black pepper: To taste
Instructions
Blend Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning, then refrigerate to chill.
Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brush generously with BBQ sauce. Bake 15–18 minutes until cooked through (165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Chop and dry lettuce. Prep corn (fresh, thawed, or canned), halve tomatoes, slice red onion, rinse black beans, and dice avocado just before assembling.
Combine lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and avocado. Toss with half the chilled dressing, adding more as needed.
Top salad with warm BBQ chicken. Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips if desired.
Serve immediately for the best texture. Offer extra dressing and toppings on the side if you like.
Notes
The cilantro dressing keeps in the fridge up to 4 days — make a double batch and use it on tacos or grain bowls.
For meal prep, store chicken, salad, and dressing separately.
Dress right before eating. Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer a richer dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American