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I made this Barbecue Ranch Chopped Salad from my debut cookbook Big Bites last weekend on Good Morning America, and in true Hungry Lady Salad style, the anchors could not believe just how good it was. After so many messages from those of you who saw the segment, I knew I had to shout this recipe from the rooftops: so say hello to Hungry Lady Salad episode 48!
A chopped salad base paired with my signature dairy-free ranch, this salad is full of all the delicious crunch you could ever want – I’ve included romaine lettuce, carrots and cucumber, just to name a few. But that’s not where this salad stops. Barbecue beans and crushed tortilla chips take the whole dish to the next level – so much so that it has become a Game-Day staple in my household!
The dairy-free ranch dressing is reason alone to make this salad. You will use it over and over again, but if you haven’t made it before, trust me when I tell you to let this salad be your official introduction. Also, feel free to add chicken if you’re after the traditional barbecue chicken thing…this salad is chock full of texture and color but it does play well with others!
A big thank you to Christine Han Photography for capturing this and all of my cookbook recipes so beautifully!
How To Make My Barbecue Ranch Chopped Salad
Step 1. In a small bowl, toss the pinto beans with the barbecue sauce and salt. Simmer in a pan for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2. Make the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisking until very smooth. Reserve.
Step 3. Place the chopped romaine in a large serving bowl.
Step 4. Add in the tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, scallions, and carrots. Toss to combine.
Step 5. Add in most of the dressing and toss to combine
Step 6. Top with the barbecue beans, tortilla chips, and scallions.
Step 7. Serve immediately.
Step 8. Enjoy!
This Barbecue Ranch Chopped Salad is special because:
It’s quick, simple and oh-so delicious!
It satisfies that barbecue craving while still being light and nourishing
It’s the perfect recipe to involve the kids in making – because who doesn’t want to crumble tortilla chips!
Hungry Lady Salads Galore!
Celery Chopped Salad with Apricots, Gorgonzola & Pecans (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Crunchy Kale Chopped Salad with 3-Ingredient Hummus Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)
Famous La Scala Chopped Salad
Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing (Vegetarian, Gluten Free)
If you make my Barbecue Ranch Chopped Salad, and I hope you do, please leave me a comment and rate the recipe. Your feedback means a lot to me! You can also post to Instagram and tag me so I can share your creations!
If you like full recipe videos, you’ll want to follow me on Facebook and Youtube as I publish new videos daily!
Barbecue Ranch Chopped Salad
Ingredients
Chopped Salad:
- 2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup low-sugar barbecue sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 6 romaine hearts, about 2 pounds, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 2 large ripe avocados, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups crumbled tortilla chips
- 2 bunches of scallions, sliced thin
Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
- ⅔ cup unsweetened plain coconut yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- A few cracks black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, toss the pinto beans with the barbecue sauce and salt.
- Cook in a pan for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisking until very smooth. Reserve.
- Place the chopped romaine in a large serving bowl.
- Add in the tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, scallions, and carrots. Toss to combine.
- Add in most of the dressing and toss to combine
- Top with the barbecue beans, tortilla chips, and scallions.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe is amazing! I normally hate store-bought ranch dressing, so I was pleasantly surprised when I liked this version! The combination of the BBQ beans, ranch, and crunchy chips is brilliant. I’ve made this recipe many times now, it’s become a staple!
Thank you for giving it a try, Nicole! That’s such high praise!
Enjoy,
Kat.
I just made this for the first time and it was amazing. I am now wanting to have the ranch dressing on hand at all times! How long will the dressing keep in the fridge?
I’m so glad you love it, Beth! I would comfortably recommend keeping it for 3-5 days – because this is a mayo-based recipe, the rule of thumb is that when you notice the dressing has separated in the refrigerator, it’s time for it to go!
Enjoy,
Kat.
Substituted the coconut yoghurt with plain Greek yoghurt and the dressing was still delish! Live in Germany and can never find Ranch dressing. No need for me to search any further! 😃
This makes me so happy, Aimee!
Enjoy,
Kat.
So delish! That salad dressing will be made on repeat! This was a huge hit with the hubs and 17 yo son. Super smart bbq bean hack. Thank you, Kat!
I’ve made this twice since I bought the cookbook – so good! My whole family loves it!
A recipe the whole family approves of is ALWAYS a win! Thank you for supporting Big Bites, Amy!
Kat.
10/10! My husband LOVED it. So filling and delish. Had to sub the coconut yogurt with cottage cheese, but still turned out great!
I’m thrilled you both love this one, Suzy! Cottage cheese makes perfect sense in this salad, a great substitution.
Enjoy,
Kat.
Delicious! Definitely adding this to our weekly menu.
I’m so glad you’ve found a new staple, Maureen!
Enjoy,
Kat.
I got your cookbook for my birthday and this was the first recipe I treid out of it. It was absolutely delicious. Will be a regular in our meal prep now. The dressing alone was fantastic!
Thank you Kat!
Thank you so much for being here, Kyla!
This recipe is a must-make for sure!
Enjoy,
Kat.