Craving a meal that's both incredibly satisfying and lightning-fast to prepare? Look no further than our mouthwatering Big Salad that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just 15 minutes! This isn't just another boring salad – it's a flavor-packed dinner solution that combines protein-rich grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty ranch dressing into a dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with the most delicious and nutritious salad you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large serving bowl.
- If using pre-cooked grilled chicken, slice it into thin strips. For freshly grilled chicken, ensure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Drain and rinse the black beans, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dice the ripe avocado into small, uniform cubes, being careful to remove the pit and skin.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and diced avocado to the chopped romaine lettuce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the salad ingredients.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad just before serving, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently toss all ingredients to combine, making sure each component is well-mixed and coated with dressing.
- Serve immediately in individual bowls or on large plates, enjoying the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Tips
- Prep Like a Pro: Wash and dry your lettuce thoroughly to ensure maximum crispness and prevent soggy salad syndrome.
- Chicken Perfection: If possible, grill your own chicken for the freshest flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Avocado Hack: Cut the avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain that beautiful green color.
- Dressing Distribution: Drizzle ranch dressing just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without making the salad soggy.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand – this recipe is incredibly versatile!
- Make It Ahead: Prep all ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Extra Protein Boost: Add additional protein like hard-boiled eggs or grilled shrimp if you're extra hungry.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
