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
-
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).
-
Prep the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
-
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.
-
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, avocado, and cheese if using.
-
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