The Ultimate Grilled Delight in Salad Form!

Ever had a salad that feels like a party on a stick? Imagine succulent marinated chicken skewers bursting with flavor, mingling with fresh greens and vibrant toppings. Yes, that’s right! BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you roll with this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad? Here’s the scoop:

Easy Cleanup: With just a few steps and the grill doing most of the work, you’ll barely break a sweat.
Family-Friendly: Kids love skewers! Who can resist food on a stick? Bonus points if you toss in the fun colors and textures.
Healthy Yet Hearty: You get the goodness of lean protein and a heap of veggies, making this a guilt-free indulgence everyone will love!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups BBQ sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand)
8 [6-inch] wooden skewers (pre-soaked)
1 cup light tasting oil
1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo, see note)
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
4 ears corn (*omit for Whole30)
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 (or 16 ounces)
1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (*omit for Whole30)
¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves
2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
1 avocado (peeled, seed removed, and diced medium)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine chicken, avocado oil, kosher salt, and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Let that marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you want to throw in some extra flavor!).
Make the Herby-Ranch:
Whisk together the egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic, dill, parsley, and black pepper. Let it chill in the fridge while you grill!
Grill the Chicken and Make the Salad:
Thread marinated chicken onto the skewers and grill until cooked through (about 5-6 minutes per side). While that’s happening, toss together the lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, corn (if using), black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, and avocado in a large bowl. Once chicken is grilled, slice it up and toss it on top.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (Overview)

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is as easy as 1-2-3! Start by marinating that chicken to soak in all the flavor. Next, whip up that creamy herby ranch dressing — it’s a game changer! Finally, grill the chicken to perfection and create your colorful salad base. Pro tip: Letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after grilling helps keep it juicy! 🍗

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

When it comes to serving this salad, drizzle that herby ranch on top for creaminess! The grilled chicken adds a smokey aroma, while the fresh veggies pop with color. Serve it up in a big bowl for sharing, or plate each serving with its own colorful flare. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that wow factor — your friends will be impressed! 🌈

How to Store BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This salad is great for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save those flavors for later, you can freeze the chicken (without the salad) for up to three months. Just remember to thaw and reheat it gently — no one likes rubbery chicken!

Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Timing is Key: Grill your chicken and veggies at the same time for seamless cooking.
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have avocado oil? Olive oil works perfectly too! You can even swap fresh herbs based on what you’ve got on hand.
For Extra Crunch: Toss in some nuts or seeds for texture! 🥜

Variation

Looking for a twist? Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein! You can also switch up the BBQ sauce to change the flavor profile—think teriyaki or sriracha!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressings and cut ingredients separate until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of BBQ sauce?
Feel free to experiment with marinades like teriyaki or a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette.
How do I make this vegan?
Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tempeh and use a plant-based dressing. You can find plenty of fantastic vegan BBQ sauces too!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!