There is a new Southern BBQ place that opened up about a mile from where we live. Every time we go for a walk in the evening and venture that way I am so tempted by the aroma of barbecue. I love ribs, chicken, cornbread….you name it!
I also have an absolute favorite microbrewery I love going to in Northern Michigan. If you know anything about me I love white wine and IPA’s. Obviously I haven’t been enjoying either lately but one thing I love about breweries is the way they are so passionate about the food they serve. Everything is so well crafted from soups, to sandwiches, and of course my favorite, salads.
Short’s is a fantastic brewery up in Bellaire, MI. If you are anywhere in Michigan I highly recommend grabbing a 6 pack of their Huma Lupa Licious IPA. It is hands down my favorite and will be one of my first post baby celebration drinks! Whenever I go there I always order a flight of samples and their BBQ Chicken Salad. It is the perfect mix of delicious barbecue chicken and other healthy flavors.
I decided to do my best to replicate it and the result is an incredibly simple and healthy recipe that you can mix up to make it your own.
BBQ Chicken Salad:
This is my go to dinner most nights lately. So easy and delicious!
Ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders
Salad mix (I love Organic Girl Herb Blend)
Shredded Carrots
Chopped Red Onion
Cherry Tomatoes
Black Beans
Corn on the cob (I actually get this is in the freezer section, heat and then cut it up over the salad)
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
Crutons or Onions (Because why not?!)
Barbecue Sauce
Directions:
In a grill pan cook chicken on both sides until almost done. Coat chicken with barbecue sauce and then continue grilling until done and carmelized. Arrange veggies and anything else you want on your plate. Dress your salad as you wish. I personally love using the light Buffalo Ranch or taking a light Ranch and mixing it with fresh salsa.
I also ran out of barbecue sauce the other night and ended up making my own. All you need is some ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar and some brown sugar. Heat it up on the stove for a few minutes and you have a delicious homemade BBQ sauce. Super simple and it was delicious!
If I weren’t pregnant I would definitely go for goat cheese on this salad. But sadly my days of soft cheeses are over for a little while longer. But as I said before, you can make any salad your own by mixing it up a bit. Salads never need to be boring.
What do you like on your salad?
Running On Healthy 
Yum! The worst part about pregnancy for me was giving up my beloved blue cheese. I pretty much always have blue cheese, some kind of fruit (like blueberries or raspberries) and balsamic vinaigrette on my salads. And now I’m hungry 🙂
Ok now I know it has been a long time. I completely forgot how awesome blue cheese would be on this. Love blue cheese (and everything else I can’t have!)
I like my salad like I like my ice cream–all the things, but depending on my mood, very light on the sauce, preferably on the side so I can diiiip it. But I will likely end up eating the sauce by itself. And I adore bbq sauce, so you know that I’m all over that.
Oh I load my salads. I love having lots of options on hand and just dump it on there!
I like my salad like I like my froyo–all sorts of toppings, but I like to mix and match as I please, sauce on the side to dip into.
And I’m not promising that I wouldn’t be ok with bbq sauce from the bottle.
Now I want bbq food! Any salad needs avocado! Last summer I really liked putting fruit on my salads (strawberries, cherries, dried cranberries, orange segments) especially when the weather warms up.
Avocado! How could I forget?! And I love fruit on my salad too, especially in the warmer weather.
I love remaking my favorites too, and BBQ chicken is pretty high on the list!
I agree. It is a recent fave for me and so easy. I think it is a perfect spring/summer meal too.
Mm mm… Me likes it!
🙂
YUMMMM I lovvvve a good BBQ chicken salad! Basically, anything covered in BBQ sauce will be delicious 😉
Haha, I totally agree. I’m on a BBQ kick right now. Ribs sound awesome 🙂
I freaking love IPAs but hate white wine. Red wine, yes. White wine and champagne, hell no. 🙂
Haha I guess more white and champagne for me :). I am not a red fan. So funny how it works.