Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

Perfect for your next BBQ, potluck, or picnic, this BBQ Chicken Salad is loaded with fresh lettuce, hearty black beans, crisp corn, creamy avocado, and juicy BBQ chicken — all tossed in a flavorful homemade BBQ ranch dressing.

Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this copycat Panera Bread Salad is an easy, 15-minute recipe that’s great for any summer meal.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Salad

Classic salad with a BBQ twist: This isn’t your typical chicken salad — it’s a fresh lettuce-based salad topped with BBQ-sauced chicken and a creamy BBQ ranch dressing. Every bite is full of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors.

Perfect as a side or a meal: While this hearty salad makes a great summer side dish, it’s also filling enough to serve as a light dinner or lunch.

Quick and easy to make: With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this salad ready in about 15 minutes — a great choice for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are the simple, fresh ingredients that make this BBQ Chicken Salad one of my favorite go-to recipes — so much flavor packed into every bite!

• Chicken – I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s quick and easy, but any cooked, shredded (or cubed) chicken breast will work.
• BBQ Sauce – Pick a BBQ sauce you love! I usually go for Sweet Baby Ray’s, but honestly, any brand — or even homemade — works perfectly.
• Romaine Lettuce Hearts – Fresh, crunchy lettuce makes the best base for this salad. Romaine is my favorite, but feel free to use any leafy greens you like.
• Black Beans – A can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
• Corn Kernels – Sweet corn is a must! You can use canned, fresh, or even roasted corn if you want to add a little more flavor.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes – Halved for easy bites, these juicy little tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness.
• Avocado – I love the creamy texture avocado brings to balance out the smoky BBQ chicken.
• Cilantro – Fresh chopped cilantro gives this salad a bright, fresh finish (but if you’re not a fan, you can leave it out).

For the BBQ Ranch Dressing:

• Buttermilk – Makes the dressing super creamy and smooth.
• Ranch Dressing (liquid, not dry mix) – Use your favorite bottled ranch to keep this recipe quick and easy.
• BBQ Sauce – Adds that smoky-sweet flavor right into the dressing.
• Fresh Dill (optional) – If you have it, dill adds a nice herby note.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Just to season everything the way you want.

How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Prep the chicken: In a medium bowl, mix shredded or cubed chicken with about 1/4 cup BBQ sauce until well coated. Set aside.

Make the salad base: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.

Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, mix buttermilk, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the salad: Add the BBQ chicken to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and toss until well coated.

Serve: Enjoy right away or chill in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors combine.

A Note on Chicken Salads

This BBQ Chicken Salad is a lettuce-based salad, perfect as a meal or side dish. If you’re looking for a traditional creamy chicken salad that you can use for sandwiches or wraps, try these favorites:

• California Chicken Salad – A light, fresh version with grapes, nuts, and a creamy dressing.
• Classic Chicken Salad – A traditional, creamy chicken salad perfect for sandwiches.

Easy Salad Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few simple ways to customize this BBQ salad:

• Add cheese: Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack works perfectly.
• Boost the crunch: Toss in crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips.
• Switch up the veggies: Add diced red onion, sliced green onions, or roasted corn for extra flavor.
• Use leftover chicken: Great way to use up grilled chicken or even chicken tenders — just chop and toss in BBQ sauce.
• Add a squeeze of citrus: A bit of lemon or lime juice in the dressing adds a fresh, bright note.

More Fresh Salad Recipes to Try

If you love hearty, flavor-packed salads like this BBQ Chicken Salad, here are a few more delicious options to add to your menu:

• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – A filling pasta salad loaded with Caesar flavor and tender chicken.
• Strawberry Apple Spinach Salad – A fresh and fruity salad that’s perfect for warmer weather.
• 7 Layer Salad – A colorful, make-ahead salad that’s always a hit at gatherings.
• Santa Fe Salad – A bold and zesty salad with southwest-inspired flavors.