Fresh greens topped with shredded BBQ chicken, sliced pears, chopped walnuts, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese. A hearty, delicious salad that’s perfect for fall!

BBQ Chicken, Pear & Gorgonzola Salad - a great way to use up leftover chicken!

There are certain types of food that definitely have a season. Like soups or casseroles or anything watermelon. But if you ask me, salads aren’t one of them. Because there are so many different ways to make them… there really IS a salad for every season.

Take, for instance, this BBQ Chicken, Pear & Gorgonzola Salad. It might be a little heavy for spring or summer, but it’s absolutely PERFECT for fall and winter. Between the shredded chicken and the sliced pears and the gorgonzola cheese, it’s packed with cozy flavors that are both delicious and satisfying. And if you make the chicken in advance… this salad is so quick and easy for last minute meals!

what you’ll love about this recipe

This salad is easy to make with just 6 main ingredients. It’s hearty and satisfying, and you’ll LOVE the savory sweet flavor combination. Plus… it’s a complete meal all in one! Which means less you have to think about and more you can just enjoy.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Romaine lettuce – I used Romaine lettuce as the base of this salad. Romaine is nice and hearty and can hold up to the bbq chicken and other ingredients in this recipe. Feel free to substitute spinach or mixed greens if you prefer.

Shredded BBQ chicken – Shredded BBQ Chicken is absolutely delicious on a salad and the perfect protein for this recipe. I used my Slow Cooker Chicken recipe with bbq sauce, but you could also use rotisserie chicken as a time saver.

Pear – I added half of a thinly sliced pear to this salad for delicious, sweet flavor. You could also substitute sliced apples if you prefer.

Gorgonzola cheese – Gorgonzola cheese pairs perfectly with the bbq chicken and pears and adds a pop of flavor to this recipe. If you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, some other options would shaved Parmesan, feta or goat cheese.

Walnuts – I added chopped walnuts for flavor and crunch. Feel free to swap pecans, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds if you’d like.

Red onion – I added thinly sliced red onion for extra flavor. You could also use green onions OR whip up some onion strings for a delicious twist.

Vinaigrette – I topped this salad with a vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon, and a few dried spices. Swap in your favorite store bought dressing to save time!

how to make bbq chicken, pear & gorgonzola salad

Layer the salad ingredients. Add the lettuce to a shallow bowl or large plate. Top with bbq chicken, pears, red onion, walnuts, and gorgonzola cheese.

Make the dressing. Make the dressing by combining the ingredients in a small jar or container with a lid. Shake well and drizzle over salad as desired.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for weekly meal prep. Start by making the slow cooker chicken and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also make the vinaigrette and slice the onions in advance for easy mealtime assembly. Once assembled, this salad will keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it before storing. Salad will keep best if it’s undressed.

Recipe Variations

Use any of your favorite types of lettuce
Add or substitute sliced apples
Add dried cranberries or cherries
Substitute shaved Parmesan, feta or goat cheese
Top with balsamic vinaigrette or creamy apple cider vinaigrette
Add crispy onion strings in place of sliced red onion
Add homemade croutons

more ways to use bbq chicken