Delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for Summer Grilling

The mere thought of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings a joyful wave of summer vibes crashing over me. Imagine grilled chicken pieces, perfectly marinated in tangy BBQ sauce, nestled amid a vibrant bed of fresh vegetables, bright cornbread, and an herby ranch dressing. It’s a medley of flavors that dance on your taste buds, turning any ordinary day into a festive occasion.

This salad isn’t just about its delightful taste; it’s also steeped in memories of backyard barbecues and cherished time with family. You can almost hear the laugh of friends and the sizzle of the grill, making it the perfect dish for warm summer evenings and spontaneous picnics in the park. Each bite promises a burst of flavor and nostalgia that excites the senses!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts – Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Cubing the chicken into uniform pieces allows for even cooking.

3 tbsp avocado oil – This oil is great for cooking due to its high smoke point and rich flavor.

1 tsp kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

2 cups BBQ sauce – A key ingredient for marinating the chicken, adding both moisture and a smoky sweetness.

8 [6-inch] wooden skewers – Pre-soaked for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.

1 cup light tasting oil – Ideal for the homemade Herby Ranch dressing.

1 egg – Used to emulsify the ranch dressing for a creamy texture.

½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk – Adds richness to the dressing without overwhelming the flavor.

2 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens up the dressing and balances the flavors.

1 tbsp red wine vinegar – Benefits the dressing with its tangy flavor.

1 tsp kosher salt – Always a necessity for seasoning.

1 tsp onion powder – Provides a distinct savoriness that complements the chicken.

2 cloves minced garlic – Infuses the ranch with aromatic goodness.

¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds – Adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the ranch.

¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley – Brightens up the dressing with a burst of freshness.

1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper – A dash of spice enhances the overall flavor.

4 ears corn – Grilled to perfection, adding sweetness and texture.

2 tbsp avocado oil – For grilling the corn and adding flavor.

8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce or 2 small heads – Provides a crisp base that holds all the delicious toppings.

6 green onions thinly sliced (green part only) – Adds a burst of color and flavor to the salad.

2 cups quartered grape tomatoes – These sweet, juicy tomatoes brighten the salad.

1 [15-ounce] can black beans – Drained and rinsed, they are a hearty addition that enhances the fiber content.

¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves – Adds an aromatic freshness that lifts the flavors.

2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves – The perfect herb to complement summer salads.

1 avocado – Diced for creamy texture and healthy fats, adding richness to each bite.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken until it’s a uniform thickness of about ½ inch. Cube the chicken into 2-inch pieces and marinate them in a mix of avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Let it soak in those delicious flavors for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or 4-8 hours in the refrigerator for optimal taste.

Step 2: Make Herby Ranch Dressing
In a jar, combine the light tasting oil, egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, and minced garlic. Blend it all together using an immersion blender until it’s beautifully emulsified. Stir in the chopped dill, parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper, and refrigerate until you are ready to toss your salad.

Step 3: Grill the Corn
Drizzle the corn with avocado oil, coating it evenly, and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to turn the corn every 2 minutes until it’s nicely charred – this will enhance its sweetness.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Now it’s time to get those skewers sizzling! Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on one side until you see lovely grill marks forming. Flip them over, baste with the reserved BBQ sauce, and continue grilling for about 3-4 more minutes until they are cooked through.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced romaine lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Drizzle over the Herby Ranch dressing and toss everything together until it’s all beautifully coated.

Step 6: Finish Up with Corn and Avocado
Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully remove it from the cob and add it to the salad. Fold in the diced avocado for that creamy goodness, and gently toss to combine everything thoroughly.

Transfer the whole glorious salad to a serving bowl. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is ready to impress! For serving, plate up a generous portion of the salad alongside the grilled chicken skewers for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy the taste of summer with every bite!

Perfecting BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Cooking Process

Begin by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. Grill the corn while grilling the chicken skewers for time efficiency. Assemble the salad while everything cooks for a seamless experience.

Add Your Touch to BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Feel free to switch up the veggies based on your preference. Add feta cheese for creaminess or even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Your salad, your rules!

Storing & Reheating BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat chicken in a skillet briefly but enjoy the salad cold for the best flavor.

The first time I made this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad for a summer BBQ, my friends declared it the star of the show, and I couldn’t stop beaming with pride!

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

What is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful dish that combines juicy grilled chicken skewers, fresh veggies, and a vibrant dressing. This colorful salad features marinated chicken cooked to perfection, grilled corn, and a medley of fresh greens like romaine lettuce. It’s perfect for summer gatherings and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. The herby ranch dressing adds a creamy touch, making each bite packed with flavor. This salad will quickly become a go-to recipe for those warm nights when you’re entertaining friends and family.

How do you make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Making BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a breeze! Start by marinating cubed chicken breasts in BBQ sauce, avocado oil, and seasoning. While the chicken marinates, prepare your herby ranch dressing by blending oil, egg, coconut milk, and spices. Grill the corn and chicken skewers until nicely charred, then combine fresh greens, tomatoes, beans, and herbs in a large bowl. Toss everything with the dressing for a refreshing salad topped with the grilled chicken and corn. This easy method ensures you have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Can I prepare BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in advance?

Certainly! Preparing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in advance is a great idea, especially for meal prep or gatherings. You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. The herby ranch dressing can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp, ensuring that everyone enjoys the flavors at their best. This salad will still taste fantastic leftover, making it a perfect choice for busy days.

What can I substitute for chicken in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

If you’re looking to switch things up in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, there are plenty of tasty alternatives to chicken. You can use shrimp for a seafood twist, marinated tofu for a plant-based option, or even grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian delight. Each substitute can bring a unique flavor to the dish while keeping the vibrant spirit of this salad intact. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different proteins or veggies to create your custom salad masterpiece.

Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is not only delicious but also an incredibly versatile dish that works well for any occasion. With its robust flavors and bright colors, this salad is sure to impress your guests and family. From marinating the chicken to grilling the corn, each step brings you closer to a delightful summer meal. Remember to customize the ingredients to fit your taste preferences and enjoy the wonderful combination of grilled goodness and fresh salad. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will soon become a staple at your summer gatherings.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant blend of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and herby ranch dressing, perfect for summer grilling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Marinating Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 953

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups bbq sauce
• 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers pre-soaked

Herby Ranch Dressing

• 1 cup light tasting oil
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Salad Ingredients

• 4 ears corn
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce or 2 small heads
• 6 green onions thinly sliced (green part only)
• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes
• 1 [15-ounce] can black beans drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup loose packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
• 1 large avocado peeled, seed removed, and diced medium

Equipment

• grill
• immersion blender
• large bowl
• Wooden Skewers

Method

 

Preparation

1. Pound the chicken until it is a uniform ½ inch thickness, cube into 2-inch pieces, and marinate with oil, salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or 4-8 hours in the refrigerator.
2. To make the Herby Ranch, combine oil, egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic in a jar and blend with an immersion blender until emulsified. Stir in dill, parsley, and black pepper, then refrigerate.
3. Drizzle corn with avocado oil, coat evenly, and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes on one side until grill marks form, then flip, baste with reserved BBQ sauce, and continue grilling until cooked through, about 3-4 more minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Add dressing and toss until well coated.
6. Remove corn from the cob and add to the salad with diced avocado. Gently toss to combine.
7. Serve with grilled chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad plateCalories: 953kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 60gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 895mgPotassium: 870mgFiber: 12gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1867IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Customize the salad with your preferred vegetables or proteins for a unique twist.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!