BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines smoky grilled chicken skewers with crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a flavorful herby ranch dressing. It’s a hearty and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or a wholesome family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Balanced Flavors: The smoky barbecue chicken pairs beautifully with the fresh, crisp salad ingredients and the creamy herby ranch dressing.​The Defined Dish+1Pinterest+1
  • Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, this salad is both filling and nourishing.​
  • Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences or to use up seasonal produce.​Jow+2Half Baked Harvest+2Prevention RD+2

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Pound the chicken to a uniform ½-inch thickness.​The Defined Dish
    • Cut into 2-inch pieces and mix with avocado oil, salt, and barbecue sauce.​The Defined Dish
    • Let marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.​The Defined Dish
  2. Prepare the Herby Ranch Dressing:
  3. Grill the Chicken and Corn:
    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (350-400°F) and oil the grates.​The Defined Dish
    • Thread the marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.​Prevention RD
    • Drizzle corn with avocado oil.​The Defined Dish+1punchfork.com+1
    • Grill corn, turning every 2 minutes, until tender (about 10-12 minutes).​The Defined Dish
    • Grill chicken skewers, flipping every 3-4 minutes, until cooked through (about 6-8 minutes total), basting with additional barbecue sauce as desired.​
  4. Assemble the Salad:
  5. Serve:
    • Divide the salad among plates and top each with grilled chicken skewers.​
    • Serve immediately and enjoy!​

Servings and Timing

Variations

  • Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different twist.​
  • Dressing Options: Use a store-bought ranch or vinaigrette if short on time.​
  • Add Crunch: Top with toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.​

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.​
  • Reheating: Reheat chicken skewers on the grill or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.​
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

FAQs

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian barbecue sauce.​

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Yes, the herby ranch dressing can be made up to a week ahead and

Print
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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 47 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fresh and flavorful summer dish that’s perfect for the grill. Juicy BBQ-marinated chicken skewers are served over a crisp bed of greens, with cherry tomatoes, red onions, corn, and a drizzle of creamy ranch or tangy vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough to keep you cool on a hot day.


Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Wooden or metal skewers

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup cooked corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)

  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

  • Ranch dressing or balsamic vinaigrette, to serve


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken cubes with BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).

  2. Prep the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.

  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra BBQ sauce, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, avocado, and cheese if using.

  5. Serve: Top each salad with grilled chicken skewers and drizzle with your favorite dressing. Serve immediately.


Notes

  • You can substitute grilled tofu or shrimp for the chicken for a different twist.

  • To save time, use store-bought BBQ rotisserie chicken and skip the skewers.

  • Add croutons or crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad with 1 skewer
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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