Ranch Chicken Chopped Salad

The first time I made this salad, it was supposed to be a quick throw-together dinner using leftovers from the fridge. But something magical happened when that creamy Greek yogurt ranch hit the crisp vegetables and warm chicken—my husband actually stopped scrolling through his phone and said, "Wait, what IS this?" Now it's the most requested summer dinner, even when we're not trying to use up leftovers.

Last summer, my sister came to visit and we ate this on the back porch three nights in a row. We'd sit there with our bowls, watching the fireflies come out, and she'd keep saying, "I can't believe something this fresh tastes this rich." The secret is really in how the sharp cheddar cuts through the creamy dressing, and how the sweet corn balances everything out.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds that seasoned, slow-cooked flavor that makes the salad feel special
• Romaine lettuce: Provides that essential crunch and structure—iceberg is too watery and mixed greens are too delicate for a chopped salad
• Greek yogurt: Creates that thick, tangy ranch base while keeping things lighter than sour cream or full-fat mayo
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness is key here because it cuts through the creamy dressing and adds a punch of flavor
• Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, and chives make the dressing taste like it came from a restaurant instead of a packet

Instructions

Prep your vegetables:

Chop everything into similar-sized pieces so each forkful gets a little bit of everything—this is the beauty of a chopped salad.

Whisk the dressing:

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

Assemble the salad:

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

Dress and serve:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Save

My daughter who swears she hates salads asked for seconds the first time I made this. Something about the chopped texture and the creamy ranch makes it feel less like "diet food" and more like a real meal. Now it's her go-to request when friends come over for lunch.

Make It Your Own

I've discovered that adding crispy bacon or creamy avocado takes this salad over the top, but honestly it's perfect as-is. The key is chopping everything into bite-sized pieces so you get all the flavors in every single forkful.

Perfect Pairings

This salad works beautifully alongside a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, but it's equally satisfying with a simple glass of iced tea. The fresh, crisp flavors make it perfect for hot weather when you don't want to turn on the oven.

Storage Solutions

If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating. The salad stays fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator, though the lettuce will start to wilt after day two.

• Store the dressing in a mason jar for easy shaking before use
• Keep the chopped vegetables in one container and the chicken in another
• Wait to add the cheese until serving to prevent it from getting soggy

Save

This recipe has become my answer to "what's for dinner?" on those busy nights when we want something healthy but still satisfying. Hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce and vegetables.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken all work beautifully. Rotisserie chicken adds extra convenience and flavor, while grilling provides lovely charred notes.

→ Is the Greek yogurt ranch dressing tangy?

Yes, the Greek yogurt provides a pleasant tang similar to traditional buttermilk ranch, with the added benefits of higher protein and less fat than sour cream-based versions.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables?

Absolutely. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, avocado, or crispy bacon. The base of chicken and lettuce stays the same while you customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

→ How long does the dressing keep?

The homemade ranch dressing stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a good stir before using as the herbs may settle.

→ Is this meal gluten-free?

The salad is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your ranch seasoning packet is certified gluten-free. Most Greek yogurt and fresh ingredients are safe for those avoiding gluten.