BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that brings together smoky grilled chicken with fresh garden delights, you’re going to absolutely love this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. It’s a wonderful harmony of tender BBQ-marinated chicken cubes, crisp romaine, bright herbs, and a creamy herby-ranch dressing that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for balmy evenings or whenever you want a nutritious meal that feels like a festive celebration in a bowl, this dish balances smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors seamlessly. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, it might just become your new go-to for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own magic. From the juicy chicken and smoky BBQ sauce to the crisp veggies and aromatic herbs, every component plays a key role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and vibrant color contrast you’ll adore.

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up the BBQ flavors beautifully and grills to tender perfection.
• 3 tbsp avocado oil: A mild oil that helps the chicken stay juicy and adds a subtle richness.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand): Provides that smoky, tangy punch that defines this salad.
• 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers (pre-soaked): Soaking prevents burning and makes grilling hassle-free.
• 1 cup light tasting oil: For the creamy herby-ranch dressing base.
• 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo): Acts as an emulsifier for homemade mayo, creating that luscious texture.
• ½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk: Adds a subtle creaminess and balances the tang.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with fresh acidity.
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Provides depth and a gentle tang to the dressing.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Ensures the dressing’s flavors are perfectly balanced.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a hint of savory sweetness to the ranch.
• 2 cloves minced garlic: Brings that classic robust garlicky note.
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds: Lends a fresh, herby brightness.
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a clean, earthy nuance.
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick.
• 4 ears corn (omit for Whole30): Brings sweetness and a satisfying pop of texture.
• 2 tbsp avocado oil: To coat and grill the corn perfectly.
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads): Crisp, refreshing base loaded with crunch and color.
• 6 green onions (thinly sliced green parts only): Mild onion flavor and a bit of freshness.
• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes (or 16 ounces): Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.
• 1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30): Adds heartiness and earthy flavor.
• ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves: Bright, citrusy herbaceousness.
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves: Sweet and fragrant herb to lift all the flavors.
• 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced medium): Creamy, buttery texture that rounds out the salad beautifully.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first, tenderize your chicken breasts to a uniform half-inch thickness so they cook evenly and soak up every bit of that delicious marinade. Cube the chicken into generous 2-inch pieces and toss them with avocado oil, kosher salt, and half of the BBQ sauce until each piece is coated lovingly. Letting it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or longer in the fridge really allows those smoky, tangy flavors to seep in deeply, giving you juicy, flavorful bites on the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Herby-Ranch Dressing

While the chicken marinates, get your dressing ready because it’s going to tie this whole salad together in the most delightful way. Start by emulsifying the light-tasting oil with an egg in a narrow jar using an immersion blender to create a creamy homemade mayo base. If you prefer, a mild store-bought mayo works just fine here too. Then, blend in coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic for a punch of creaminess and tang. Finally, fold in freshly chopped dill, parsley, and cracked black pepper to give it that irresistible herby-ranch charm that complements the BBQ flavors perfectly.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Time to fire up your grill to medium-high heat and prep the grates by oiling them to prevent sticking. Brush the ears of corn with avocado oil and place them on the grill, turning every couple of minutes until tender and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes total. Add your marinated chicken skewers to the grill and let them sizzle on one side for 3-4 minutes to develop those perfect grill marks. Flip the skewers, generously baste the cooked side with remaining BBQ sauce, then cook another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized on both sides. This grilling process locks in juicy tenderness and smoky flavor that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

While the chicken and corn cool slightly, combine the fresh, crisp romaine, green onions, quartered tomatoes, drained black beans, cilantro, and basil in a large bowl. Toss this vibrant mix with as much of the herby-ranch dressing as you like until every leaf is coated with creamy goodness. Slice the grilled corn kernels off the cobs and add them to the bowl along with diced avocado. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, then serve your fresh, colorful salad topped with the hot, smoky BBQ chicken skewers for a perfect balance of warm and cool textures.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

To elevate this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, sprinkle additional fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving for a pop of green and freshness. A few extra cracks of black pepper or a light drizzle of extra BBQ sauce can also add a final flavorful touch that makes each bite even more memorable.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple and complementary, like warm cornbread or a rustic grain such as quinoa or rice for a hearty option. A chilled cucumber salad or pickled veggies can add a lovely tangy contrast that balances the smoky and creamy elements of the salad perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad the star of your table by serving it in hollowed-out lettuce cups or on a platter layered with leafy greens for family-style sharing. You can also thread smaller chicken pieces onto colorful skewers and place them directly on top of individual salad bowls for an inviting, interactive presentation that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a treat you can enjoy the next day! Store the grilled chicken separately from the salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep your herby-ranch dressing in a sealed jar. When ready to eat, toss everything together fresh so the lettuce stays crisp and the flavors shine bright.

Freezing

While the salad components don’t freeze well due to fresh ingredients, you can freeze the marinated chicken skewers before grilling. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before grilling for a quick and convenient meal starter.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the grilled chicken skewers on a hot grill or under a broiler for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that lovely grilled texture intact. The salad itself tastes best served fresh and cold with dressing just added.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be brushed with BBQ sauce and quickly grilled or warmed before adding to the salad. Just be mindful not to overcook since it’s already cooked through.

What can I substitute for the coconut milk in the dressing?

If you don’t have coconut milk, a mild dairy or non-dairy yogurt or extra light tasting oil can work as a substitute. The key is maintaining that creamy texture and slight tang without overpowering the herbs.

Is this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad suitable for Whole30 or paleo diets?

With some modifications — like omitting the corn and black beans, and using compliant BBQ sauce and ingredients for the dressing — this salad can fit nicely into Whole30 or paleo guidelines while still being deliciously satisfying.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 20 minutes for a quick flavor boost, but allowing it to marinate 4-8 hours in the fridge really infuses the chicken with smoky, tangy goodness.

Can I make the herby-ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge a few hours as the flavors meld. It keeps well for up to a week refrigerated in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is an absolute joy to make and even more joyous to eat. It’s a celebration of fresh, smoky, and creamy flavors that come together perfectly in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you just might find a new favorite that brightens your meals and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

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