Cheesecake Factory BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
The Cheesecake Factory BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad is a dynamic representation of America's favorite flavors, discovered during a memorable food journey. Its recipe masterfully combines the smoky sweetness of barbecued chicken with the creamy tang of Ranch dressing, balanced with the crunch of fresh Romaine lettuce and a variety of vegetables. This salad not only brings together tender grilled chicken, crisp greens, and the zestiness of Ranch but also encapsulates the essence of comfort and excitement in every bite. After exploring and perfecting the art of recreating this dish at home, I'm thrilled to share this recipe that promises to transport you to the heart of American culinary excellence. It's a celebration of textures and flavors, designed to bring the spirit of adventure and shared flavors to your dining table.
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 1 heart of Romaine lettuce
- ½ – ¾ chicken breast or 2-3 chicken tenders, cooked in a hot pan with some oil until well browned and cooked through
- ½ cup diced tomatoes or baby tomatoes cut in half
- ½ cup corn canned, drained
- ½ cup black beans drained, rinsed
- ½ cup chopped green onion not pictured.
- ½ avocado
- For the BBQ Ranch
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp sour cream or buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 2 tsp ranch seasoning dry
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce, green onion and the tomatoes.
- Stir all the ingredients for the dressing together.
- For best visual presentation, place the chopped lettuce on the bottom of the bowl, then place the chopped chicken (you can toss it with some BBQ sauce before putting on top of the salad), beans, corn & the tomatoes in 4 mounts. Split half an avocado into 4 sections lengthwise, peel the skin off and discard it. Put 1 piece of avocado between each section. Next put the chopped scallions in the center between the 4 mounts. Drizzle dressing all over the salad. Stir everything together before eating. Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed.