Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe features tender grilled chicken glazed with smoky BBQ sauce, fresh mixed greens, crisp corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, all tossed in a zesty cilantro-lime dressing for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Salad spinner
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Salad serving bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated with the smoky BBQ sauce to achieve a rich, flavorful glaze when grilled. Fresh mixed greens should be thoroughly rinsed and spun dry for a crisp texture in your salad. Use canned corn and black beans that are well-drained and rinsed to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the zesty cilantro-lime dressing. Measure ingredients like fresh lime juice, olive oil, and spices precisely to maintain the vibrant and balanced taste characteristic of this dish. Your Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad copycat menu from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe will come to life with these mindful ingredient preparations.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Brush chicken breasts with BBQ sauce.
- Grill chicken until fully cooked, turning as needed.
- Let chicken rest, then slice into strips.
- Wash and dry salad greens with salad spinner.
- In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to make cilantro-lime dressing.
- Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- Chop cilantro leaves.
- In a large salad serving bowl, add mixed greens.
- Top greens with corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips.
- Add sliced BBQ chicken on top.
- Drizzle cilantro-lime dressing over salad.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Toss salad gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe copycat menu offers a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors perfect for a hearty meal. You can substitute grilled chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or grilled tofu for a quick or vegetarian option. If fresh cilantro is unavailable, try using parsley or basil to maintain a vibrant herbal note in the cilantro-lime dressing. Corn and black beans can be swapped with fresh vegetables like roasted bell peppers or avocado for added texture and flavor. Use any mild shredded cheese you have on hand if cheddar is not available, ensuring your salad remains creamy and satisfying.
Tips
Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly to promote uniform grilling and prevent undercooked spots. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for food safety. When whisking the cilantro-lime dressing, emulsify thoroughly to blend oil and lime juice for optimal flavor integration. Always use fresh lime juice for the dressing to maintain vibrant acidity, which enhances the overall salad taste and freshness.
Nutritions
Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The 1 lb of grilled chicken breast supplies about 96 grams of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Beans and corn contribute dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. Your meal also includes vitamins A and C from fresh greens and tomatoes, while olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this salad both nutritious and flavorful.
Storage
Store leftover grilled BBQ chicken separately in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours to maintain freshness. Keep salad ingredients like mixed greens, corn, and beans in a sealed container to prevent wilting, avoiding adding dressing until ready to serve. Your tortilla strips are best stored in a dry, airtight container to keep them crunchy for later use.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap boneless chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs to add juicier texture and richer flavor to your Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad. For a smoky twist, try using chipotle-infused BBQ sauce in place of regular BBQ sauce. If fresh lime juice is unavailable, consider using bottled lime juice mixed with a pinch of zest for an equally vibrant cilantro-lime dressing. To make the salad vegetarian, replace grilled chicken with roasted cauliflower or grilled portobello mushrooms while keeping all other ingredients the same.
Allergies
The Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and corn-derived ingredients. Gluten may be present if the tortilla strips are made from wheat flour, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You should inform the staff about any food allergies to ensure your meal is safe and enjoyable.
Why this recipe?
Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe features tender grilled chicken glazed with smoky barbecue sauce, perfectly paired with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh corn, black beans, and a zesty chipotle ranch dressing. This salad combines bold Southwest flavors and wholesome ingredients that offer a satisfying and nutritious meal option. You'll enjoy a rich balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins in every bite. Recreating this recipe at home lets you customize spice levels and enjoy a fresh, restaurant-quality salad anytime.