Name: Crispy Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2-3 pieces Chicken Tenders (Frozen, cooked according to package directions); 4 cups Romaine Lettuce (Chopped); 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Sliced in half); 1/4 cup Red Onion (Diced); 1/2 medium Avocado (Sliced); 1/3 cup Corn (Canned or thawed from frozen); 1/3 cup Cheddar Cheese (Shredded); 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt; 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Dried Dill; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley; to taste Salt and Pepper; 1-2 tablespoons Milk (To reach desired consistency); 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a salad that checks all the boxes—crunchy, creamy, and utterly satisfying? Meet the Crispy Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing! This dish delivers undeniable comfort and flavor with every bite, thanks to juicy, golden-brown chicken tenders nestled atop a bed of crisp lettuce and an array of colorful veggies. Did you know salad became the star of many modern family meals thanks to fast-casual restaurant chains? Yet, nothing beats the taste (or convenience) of one made right in your own kitchen. What sets this salad apart isn’t just the perfectly cooked chicken or the garden-fresh ingredients—it’s the rich, cool ranch you whip together in minutes with Greek yogurt. If you’ve ever tried my Popular BBQ Chicken Salad, you’ll know I’m serious about flavor-packed salads. Get ready for a simple, wholesome recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends—let’s make dinner exciting tonight!

What is Crispy Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing?

Let’s be honest: who came up with the name Crispy Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing? Could it be any more crave-worthy? It’s exactly what it sounds like—tender, crunchy chicken, heaps of salad, and the most addictive ranch dressing you’ll ever drizzle. Some say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but this dish has won everyone—young and old—over at our house! Maybe we should rename it Heart-Stealer Salad. If you’ve ever wondered why salads don’t always feel like a meal, this recipe is here to prove you wrong. Ready to give it a shot? Grab your fork and dig in!

Why You’ll Love This

The magic of this Crispy Chicken Salad lies in its irresistible contrast—juicy, golden strips of chicken paired with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and tangy cheddar cheese. Making it at home means you save big compared to eating out, all while using fresher and more flavorful ingredients. Not to mention, you get to top it just the way you like—maybe even extra cheese, or a handful of cherry tomatoes! What really takes this over the top is the homemade ranch: it’s creamy, zesty, and so much better than bottled versions. If you love hearty main-dish salads like my Taco Salad, you’ll find this one hits all the right notes. Gather your ingredients and treat your taste buds—let’s take salad night to the next level!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is delightfully simple yet delivers big on both flavor and satisfaction. You start with just a few wholesome ingredients, layer them up beautifully, and finish with a homemade Greek yogurt ranch that’s creamy and tangy. Expect the entire process to take under 30 minutes—from prep to table. With minimal steps and maximum payoff, it’s the perfect option for busy weeknights or a fresh weekend lunch.

Ingredients

2-3 chicken tenders (frozen, cooked according to package directions)
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/2 medium avocado, sliced
1/3 cup corn (canned or thawed from frozen works well)
1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step

Cook the Chicken Tenders
Bake or air-fry 2-3 frozen chicken tenders according to package directions until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Salad Base
Chop 4 cups romaine lettuce and add to a large bowl. Top with sliced cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and sliced avocado.
Add Toppings
Sprinkle corn and shredded cheddar cheese over the salad. Arrange the warm, sliced chicken tenders on top of the salad base.
Whip Up the Homemade Ranch
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add milk little by little until you reach your preferred dressing consistency.
Assemble and Serve
Drizzle the homemade ranch dressing generously over the salad. Toss gently, or serve with the dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the ultimate crunch!

What to Serve With

Wondering how to round out this meal? Pair your salad with a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for extra comfort. For a well-balanced lunch, serve alongside a light vegetable soup or a cup of chilled gazpacho. Lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with citrus slices make refreshing drink choices, especially if you’re serving this on a warm day! To up the protein while keeping things light, add a hard-boiled egg or some roasted chickpeas.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Swap frozen chicken tenders for homemade if you feel ambitious—just bread and bake fresh chicken strips for even more flavor!
For a dairy-free version, substitute a plant-based yogurt for the Greek yogurt and your favorite non-dairy cheese.
Short on time? Use a bagged salad mix as your base and dress it up with the other toppings.
Make sure your chicken is hot and crispy before slicing and serving for the best texture contrast.
Don’t overdress the salad—add the ranch gradually so every bite is creamy but not soggy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately for best freshness—keep salad, chicken, and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad and chicken will stay fresh for up to 2 days, while the homemade ranch dressing keeps well for up to 5 days. To reheat chicken, bake at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, or air-fry for a few minutes until hot and crisp. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refresh wilted greens with a quick rinse in cold water before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect texture, but you can freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months and add fresh toppings when ready.

FAQs

Can I use grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken brings a smokier flavor and cuts down on some calories.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the ranch dressing?
Yes, you can use regular plain yogurt or even sour cream for a slightly different tang.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply skip the chicken or use crispy plant-based tenders for a delicious meat-free option.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the ranch up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.

What’s the best way to keep the salad crisp if prepping ahead?
Store all wet and dry ingredients separately and assemble just before serving for maximum crunch.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests at a casual gathering. With a satisfying crunch, loads of fresh toppings, and a creamy homemade dressing, this salad turns a simple meal into a flavor-packed experience. Versatile and easy to adapt, it truly fits any occasion or craving. Try it tonight and you’ll see why it’s a favorite—don’t forget to check out my other wholesome salad recipes for more inspiration!