Ranch Chicken Chopped Salad

The heat wave last July had me avoiding my stove like the plague, yet I still needed something substantial for dinner. My sister suggested we throw together whatever was in the fridge and call it a chopped salad. That impromptu creation ended up being the most satisfying meal Id had all summer, and now this ranch chicken version lives in my regular rotation forever.

I made this for my book club last month and watched three people who swore they hated salad go back for seconds. Something about the tender chicken, sweet corn hits, and that creamy ranch coating makes vegetables feel like a treat instead of an obligation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Grilled adds lovely char notes but a rotisserie chicken works perfectly for busy weeknights
• 5 cups romaine lettuce: Provides crunch without the bitterness of darker greens, standing up beautifully to the creamy dressing
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Their burst of juiciness cuts through the rich dressing elements
• 1 cup corn kernels: Sweetness that plays perfectly with sharp cheddar and tangy ranch
• 1 cup cucumber: Adds cool crunch and freshness to balance the heavier ingredients
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese: The bold flavor means you can use less while still getting that satisfying cheese punch
• 1/4 cup red onion: Finely diced so you get just a whisper of sharp bite in each bite
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: The secret to making ranch feel decadent while keeping it protein packed and lighter
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Just enough to add that classic creamy mouthfeel we all crave in ranch
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk: Brings the characteristic tang that makes ranch taste like ranch
• Fresh dill, parsley, and chives: The herb trio that makes homemade ranch sing with bright flavor

Instructions

Prep your vegetables:

Chop everything into similar sized pieces so each forkful contains all the flavors and textures in perfect harmony

Build your salad base:

Toss the lettuce, chicken, corn, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cheese, and chives in a large bowl

Whisk up the magic:

Combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, herbs, garlic, and spices until smooth and creamy

Bring it together:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated in that ranch goodness

Save

My husband now requests this every Sunday for meal prep, and I actually look forward to my lunch each day instead of feeling resigned to another sad desk salad.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in avocado when I want extra creaminess or add crispy bacon bits for a smoky salty punch that takes this over the top.

The Perfect Chicken

Using a store bought rotisserie chicken saves so much time but grilling your own adds those beautiful char marks and smoky depth that makes this feel special.

Serving Suggestions

This salad stands alone beautifully but I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

• Chill your salad bowl for 10 minutes before serving for extra refreshing vibes
• Extra fresh herbs on top make this look restaurant worthy
• The dressing doubles as an incredible veggie dip

Save

Somehow the simplest meals become the ones we crave most, and this chopped salad has earned its permanent place in my heart and stomach.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the vegetables and chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing in a separate jar and toss everything together just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken all work beautifully. Rotisserie chicken is especially convenient and adds great flavor. Just make sure to chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the salad.

→ Is Greek yogurt ranch healthier than regular ranch?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt provides more protein and less fat than traditional mayonnaise-based ranch dressings. The combination of Greek yogurt with just two tablespoons of mayonnaise creates a creamy texture while significantly reducing calories and increasing protein content.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free plain yogurt alternative and use dairy-free cheddar cheese. For the dressing, replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk and use vegan mayonnaise. The flavor profile will remain similar.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, celery, or avocado for extra nutrients. Sliced radishes add a nice crunch and peppery bite. You can also mix in some cooked quinoa or farro to make it even more filling.

→ How long does the dressing stay fresh?

The Greek yogurt ranch dressing will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often meld together and improve after a day or two. Give it a good whisk or shake before using, as it may separate slightly when stored.