Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen brand recommended); 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers (pre-soaked); 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 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, diced medium)

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If you are craving a meal that brings vibrant, smoky flavors packed with fresh, crispy veggies, then you have got to try this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of tender, juicy grilled chicken skewers smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, paired with the crispness of romaine lettuce, the sweetness of grilled corn, and a creamy herby ranch dressing that ties everything together perfectly. This dish is not just a salad but a celebration of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with two wooden skewers of grilled meat coated in a shiny brown sauce, placed on the left side of the bowl. On the right side, there is a fresh salad made of light green lettuce, yellow corn kernels, pale green avocado pieces, and red tomato slices, all lightly mixed together. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, leaning on the edge and partially buried in the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing its own burst of taste, texture, and color. From the smoky grilled chicken to the fresh herbs and creamy dressing, everything comes together to create a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds): The perfect tender foundation for the skewers that soak up all the delightful BBQ flavor.
Avocado oil (3 tablespoon + 2 tbsp): Used for marinating chicken and grilling the corn, it provides a light, buttery richness.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon + 1 tsp): Elevates all the ingredients with just the right amount of seasoning.
BBQ sauce (2 cups): The smoky-sweet star of the marinade, lending its irresistible tang to the chicken.
Wooden skewers (8, 6-inch, pre-soaked): Handy for grilling the chicken perfectly over the flame.
Light tasting oil (1 cup): Base for the creamy herby-ranch dressing to keep flavors fresh and balanced.
Egg (1): Optional for homemade mayo, giving the dressing a luscious texture.
Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk (½ cup): Adds a subtle creaminess and tropical hint to the dressing.
Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brightens up the dressing with a fresh zing.
Red wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a mild acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Deepens the savory notes in the dressing.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Brings that essential aromatic punch.
Fresh dill (¼ cup, chopped): Infuses the dressing with a fragrant, herbaceous touch.
Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Adds brightness and color to the salad.
Freshly cracked black pepper (1 tsp): Lends a subtle heat to round out the flavors.
Corn on the cob (4 ears): Grilled to sweet perfection, it adds a smoky crunch.
Romaine lettuce (8 cups thinly sliced): The crisp and refreshing green base of the salad.
Green onions (6, green parts thinly sliced): Provide a mild oniony bite without overpowering.
Grape tomatoes (2 cups quartered): Burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
Black beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): (Omit for Whole30) Adds protein, fiber, and extra hearty texture.
Cilantro leaves (¼ cup chopped): Offers a fresh, citrusy lift perfect for summer salads.
Fresh basil leaves (2 tablespoon chopped): Gives a sweet, peppery fragrance that complements the BBQ chicken beautifully.
Avocado (1, diced): Creamy richness that cuts through the smoky flavors and adds satisfying texture.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even half-inch thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy. Then cube them into hearty two-inch pieces, perfect for skewering. Toss the chicken cubes in avocado oil, kosher salt, and half of the BBQ sauce to infuse that signature tangy smokiness. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature for immediate cooking or refrigerate for up to 8 hours to deepen the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Herby-Ranch Dressing

For that delicious creamy dressing, pour light tasting oil into a jar and crack in the egg, if using. Blend with an immersion blender until the mixture emulsifies into a thick mayo base—this step is the secret to that luscious texture. Stir in coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic, fresh dill, parsley, and black pepper. Blend lightly once more and chill until ready to serve. This dressing brings the salad to life with herbaceous freshness and rich creaminess.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Coat the corn ears with avocado oil and season lightly. Fire up the grill to medium-high, and oil the grates carefully to prevent sticking and flare-ups. Grill the corn for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning frequently to get those gorgeous char marks. At the same time, thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers. Grill them for 3-4 minutes per side, basting generously with the reserved BBQ sauce to build layers of flavor and caramelization. Close the grill lid as much as possible to keep the chicken moist and smoky.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the thinly sliced romaine, green onions, quartered grape tomatoes, black beans if using, cilantro, and basil. Dress the greens with your herby-ranch in desired amounts and toss until everything is evenly coated and glistening with flavor. Carefully remove the grilled corn kernels from the cob and fold them into the salad along with diced avocado for a hint of buttery indulgence.

Step 5: Serve with Grilled Chicken Skewers

Place the vibrant salad on plates or a large serving platter, then crown with your beautifully grilled BBQ chicken skewers for a colorful, balanced, and utterly satisfying meal. The combination of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh makes every bite a joy.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Two white plates sit on a white marbled surface, each with two grilled skewers of reddish-brown glazed cubes, showing light char marks and small green garnish pieces. Next to the skewers is a colorful salad with green leafy lettuce, yellow charred corn pieces, sliced red tomatoes, black olives, and pale green avocado chunks, topped with a light sprinkle of black pepper and green herbs. Each salad has a metal fork resting on the plate. Nearby, a small white jug holds a light green creamy sauce with visible green herb specks, and fresh green cilantro leaves lay scattered on the surface. A striped white cloth is visible at the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation and flavor, sprinkle extra freshly chopped cilantro or basil on top, or add a wedge of lemon or lime for an optional citrusy squeeze. A light dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes over the chicken skewers will even add a subtle warming kick and extra visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm grilled pita bread, garlic bread, or even a light quinoa pilaf to soak up any leftover dressing. For a low-carb option, consider roasted sweet potatoes or a chilled cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the smoky chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or colorful bell pepper rings. Alternatively, present the skewers family-style on a long wooden board alongside the dressed salad for an inviting, shareable meal perfect for casual gatherings or backyard cookouts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled chicken, salad components, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents sogginess, especially the lettuce and avocado, which are best added right before serving.

Freezing

The cooked chicken skewers freeze very well! After cooling, remove the chicken from the skewers and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the dressing or fresh salad ingredients as they won’t maintain the same texture or flavor after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, gently warm it in the oven or on a grill pan over medium heat until heated through, taking care not to dry it out. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the juicy texture. Serve freshly tossed salad with dressing for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses Primal Kitchen BBQ sauce for its clean ingredients and flavor, feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. Just keep in mind the sweetness and spiciness levels to balance your tastes.

Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, helping to keep your chicken safe and flavorful instead of charred and brittle.

Can I make the herby-ranch dressing without an egg?

Definitely. You can omit the egg and substitute with store-bought mayonnaise, preferably one with a mild flavor, to achieve a similar creamy texture without the hassle.

Is this salad suitable for Whole30 or paleo diets?

This salad can be adapted for Whole30 or paleo by omitting the corn and black beans, which are not compliant, and ensuring your BBQ sauce is sugar-free and Whole30-approved.

How long can I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

Marinating for at least 20 minutes is essential to infuse flavor, but for deeper taste and tenderness, refrigerate up to 8 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as the texture can start to break down.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. With its perfect harmony of smoky grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy herby dressing, it’s no wonder this salad is destined to become a favorite for your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Dive in, savor every bite, and get ready for compliments from everyone lucky enough to enjoy it with you!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need