Ultimate Grilled Chicken Salad with Barbecue Sauce and Sundried Tomato Pesto

Grilled chicken salad often feels like a simple, safe choice for lunch or dinner. But what if you could turn it into a bold, flavourful meal that excites your taste buds and satisfies your hunger? This recipe combines smoky grilled chicken breasts coated in barbecue sauce and spices with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a unique twist: a drizzle of sweet soya sauce and a topping of sundried tomato pesto mixed with minced chillies in olive oil. The result is a vibrant salad that balances smoky, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

This salad stands out because of the thoughtful combination of ingredients that bring texture and flavor together:

• Grilled sliced chicken breasts: Marinated and grilled with barbecue sauce and spices, the chicken is juicy and smoky.

• Chopped lettuce: Provides a crisp, fresh base.

• Cherry tomatoes: Add bursts of sweetness and acidity.

• Cucumber: Offers a cool, refreshing crunch.

• Jalapenos: Bring a mild heat that wakes up the palate.

• Feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast.

• Sweet soya sauce: Drizzled lightly to introduce a subtle sweetness and umami depth.

• Ohhh So Freshhh sundried tomato pesto: A rich, tangy topping that enhances the salad’s complexity.

• Minced chopped chillies in olive oil: Adds a spicy kick and a silky finish.

  
  

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a salad that is more than just a side dish—it’s a complete meal.

Preparing the Chicken for Maximum Flavour

The chicken is the star of this salad, so it deserves special attention. Start by slicing chicken breasts into even pieces for quick, even grilling. Coat them generously with barbecue sauce mixed with your favourite spices—smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and a touch of black pepper work well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavours.

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it develops a nice char and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The barbecue sauce caramelizes on the surface, creating a smoky-sweet crust that complements the tender meat inside.

Once grilled, slice the chicken into thin strips. This makes it easier to mix with the salad and ensures every bite has a bit of that smoky flavor.

Building the Salad Base

While the chicken marinates or grills, prepare the salad base. Chop fresh lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced cucumber for freshness and crunch. Slice jalapenos finely—remove seeds if you prefer less heat.

Sprinkle crumbled or chopped feta cheese over the vegetables. The salty, creamy feta contrasts beautifully with the smoky chicken and spicy jalapenos.

Freshhh Salad topped with our sundried tomato pesto

Bringing It All Together with Sauces and Toppings

The dressing and toppings elevate this salad from good to unforgettable. Instead of a traditional vinaigrette, drizzle a small amount of sweet soya sauce over the salad. This adds a subtle sweetness and umami flavour that ties the ingredients together.

Next, spoon the Ohhh So Freshhh sundried tomato pesto on top. This pesto is rich and tangy, made from sundried tomatoes blended with olive oil and herbs. It adds a burst of Mediterranean flavour that complements the barbecue chicken perfectly.

Finally, sprinkle minced chopped chillies in olive oil over the salad. This adds a spicy, oily finish that enhances the overall flavour profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

Tips for Serving and Variations

This salad works well as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Serve it immediately after assembling to keep the lettuce crisp and the chicken warm.

For a heartier meal, add cooked quinoa or brown rice to the base. This adds fiber and makes the salad more filling.

If you prefer a milder salad, reduce or omit the jalapenos and chillies. You can also swap feta for goat cheese or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.

To make it vegetarian, replace grilled chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, and adjust the barbecue sauce accordingly.

Why This Salad Works

This grilled chicken salad stands out because it balances multiple flavours and textures:

• Smoky and sweet from the barbecue sauce on the chicken.

• Fresh and crunchy from the lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes.

• Creamy and salty from the feta cheese.

• Spicy and tangy from the jalapenos, chillies, and sundried tomato pesto.

• Umami-rich from the sweet soya sauce drizzle.

  
  

Each bite offers a complex flavour experience that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a salad that satisfies hunger and excites the palate without feeling heavy or greasy.