Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen recommended); 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce; 1 avocado, diced; 1 cup light tasting oil (for dressing); ½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp apple cider 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; 6 green onions (thinly sliced, green part only); 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes; ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves; 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves

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If you’re looking for a delicious and vibrant meal that brings everyone to the table, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a lively family gathering. The combination of juicy grilled chicken skewers and fresh veggies tossed in a creamy dressing is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round!

What makes this salad special is its versatility. You can easily whip it up for an outdoor barbecue or serve it as a quick lunch prep option. It’s packed with protein and colorful ingredients, making it not only satisfying but also visually appealing—a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves skewers! This salad makes eating fun for kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the chicken and veggies in advance, so you can enjoy a stress-free meal later.
Flavorful & Fresh: The combination of BBQ sauce, herbs, and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering burst of flavor.
Customizable: Easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! They come together beautifully for this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Skewers

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)

For the Creamy Dressing

1 cup light tasting oil
1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo)
½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider 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

For the Salad

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)

Variations

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the protein: You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist!
Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or other seasonal vegetables.
Spice it up: Add some jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick!
Make it vegan: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms and use plant-based mayo in the dressing.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to eat once they’re skewered. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with avocado oil and kosher salt. Toss well to coat each piece.

Step 2: Marinate with BBQ Sauce

Add your favorite BBQ sauce to the bowl with marinated chicken. Make sure each piece is generously coated; this will infuse incredible flavor during grilling! Let it marinate while you prepare your grill or air fryer.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers. Aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer—this keeps cooking times consistent and makes flipping them easier on the grill.

Step 4: Grill Until Juicy

Fire up your grill or air fryer! Cook the skewers over medium heat until they’re nicely charred and cooked through—about 10-15 minutes should do it. Keep an eye on them; flipping halfway ensures even cooking.

Step 5: Whip Up the Dressing

While your chicken is grilling, mix together all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste—you want it flavorful enough to complement your salad without overpowering it!

Step 6: Assemble Your Salad

In a large serving bowl, layer your lettuce, corn (if using), green onions, tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, and avocado. Once your skewers are done grilling, slice off the chicken pieces directly into the bowl.

Step 7: Drizzle & Toss!

Pour that delightful dressing over your salad and gently toss everything together until well combined. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor!

Congratulations! You’ve created a beautiful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself!

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Creating the perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a breeze with these helpful tips!

Marinate your chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes (or longer) enhances the flavor and tenderness, making each bite more delicious.
Pre-soak your skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water helps prevent them from burning on the grill, ensuring that your beautiful salad presentation stays intact.
Use a grill thermometer: Keeping an eye on the grill temperature ensures even cooking. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
Mix up your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value of your salad.
Make it ahead: Prepare the components of your salad ahead of time and assemble just before serving. This allows flavors to meld while saving you time during busy weeknights.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Presenting your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad beautifully can make mealtime feel extra special. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish!

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or basil adds a burst of flavor and color.
Lemon wedges: Serving with lemon wedges allows guests to squeeze a bit of freshness over their salads.
Crushed tortilla chips: Adding a handful of crushed tortilla chips provides a delightful crunch and extra texture.

Side Dishes

Grilled vegetables: A medley of seasonal grilled veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complements the smoky flavors of the chicken.
Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, parsley, and a light vinaigrette offers a nutritious side that balances the richness of the dish.
Watermelon feta salad: The sweet and salty combination in watermelon feta salad provides a refreshing contrast to your hearty skewer salad.
Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries not only add sweetness but also offer a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the BBQ flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week with minimal effort.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting the greens.
Consume leftovers within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

While the salad itself doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh ingredients, you can freeze cooked chicken skewers.
Allow them to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat frozen chicken skewers, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Serve warm on top of fresh salad ingredients.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some answers about BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!

Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken skewers and chop all your vegetables ahead of time. Just store everything separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

What type of sauce can I use for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

You can use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. For a healthier option, try Primal Kitchen’s barbecue sauce as it aligns with clean eating principles and tastes fantastic!

Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is not only delicious but also very convenient for meal prep. You can prepare most components in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep your dressing separate until you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad as much as I do! It’s a delightful way to combine flavors and textures while keeping things healthy and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weekdays. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home!