This Ranch Chicken Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Featuring tender chunks of seasoned chicken, crisp greens, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn, all tossed in a homemade light ranch dressing, this salad is a wholesome delight.
If you love chicken salads, be sure to try my Strawberry Chicken Salad for another refreshing option!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Nutritious & Filling: A perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing: Skip the store-bought version and enjoy a fresher, healthier alternative.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or substitute with chicken thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 4 cups mixed greens of your choice
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ English cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ⅓ cup corn (fresh or canned)
For the Homemade Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Ranch Chicken Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Secure the lid and shake well until smooth and creamy.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour about ⅓ of the dressing over the chicken pieces, coating them evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. Refrigerate the remaining dressing for later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, arrange the greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, avocado, and corn. Top with the cooked chicken.
- Toss & Serve: Drizzle the homemade ranch dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss well to combine, and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
- Alternative Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or grilled tofu for a different twist.
- Extra Add-Ins: Try adding olives, shredded carrots, or crispy bacon for more texture.
- Store-Bought Dressing: If short on time, use your favorite ranch dressing instead of making it from scratch.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Leftovers: Store salad ingredients and dressing separately to maintain freshness. The salad will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep: Cook the chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, assemble and toss with dressing.
If you love this Ranch Chicken Salad, be sure to check out these other healthy and delicious salads:
- Greek Quinoa Salad Bowls
- Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
- Avocado Tomato Salad
- Mexican Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- Spicy Shrimp Avocado Salad