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Overhead view of a colorful chopped salad on a grey plate. Salad includes bbq grilled chicken, lettuce, onion, tomato, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, corn and more!
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4.50 from 4 votes

Southwestern BBQ Chicken Salad

You'll love the homemade barbecue sauce dressing on this southwestern style BBQ chicken salad, with fresh corn kernels and shredded kohlrabi. 
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwestern
Servings: 6
Author: Rachel Gurk

Equipment

Ingredients

Dressing (makes ½ cup)

  • 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
  • 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise, if you prefer)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Salad

  • 4 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken
  • ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
  • 4 cups torn leaf lettuce
  • 2 cups shredded kohlrabi (2 medium)
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 ears)
  • ¾ cup sliced red onion (about ¼ onion)
  • 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup loosely packed cilantro, roughly chopped
  • crispy tortilla strips, for garnish

Instructions

  • Make dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce, yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well. The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated.
    3 tablespoons BBQ sauce, 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • In medium sized bowl, combine chicken with ⅓ cup BBQ sauce. Set aside.
    4 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken, ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
  • In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, kohlrabi, corn, onion, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Add dressing, and mix lightly until coated. 
    4 cups torn leaf lettuce, 2 cups shredded kohlrabi, 2 cups fresh corn kernels, ¾ cup sliced red onion, 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes, 1 ripe avocado, sliced, ½ cup loosely packed cilantro, roughly chopped
  • Arrange salad on serving plates, mound chicken on top and sprinkle with crispy tortilla strips. Serve immediately.
    crispy tortilla strips, for garnish

Video

Notes

  • Kohlrabi alternatives: Shredded jicama, cabbage, or chopped broccoli can be substituted for the kohlrabi.
  • Vegetarian: Substitute black beans and shredded cheese for the chicken. Crispy tofu cubes doused in BBQ sauce are great, too.
  • Meat choices: Instead of chicken, shrimp or pulled pork can be used.
  • Add or substitute vegetables: Chopped bell peppers, radishes, celery, cucumber, zucchini, edamame, pretty much anything you like can be substituted or added.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 553mg | Potassium: 940mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 2368IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg

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