BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate blend of smoky, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, homemade BBQ dressing. This dish brings together the juicy, grilled flavors of BBQ chicken served on skewers, paired with a refreshing salad that includes crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and a savory dressing. It’s a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal, ideal for a summer barbecue, meal prep, or a quick, healthy dinner. The addition of the BBQ chicken elevates this salad to something special, making it both hearty and full of flavor.

I remember the first time I made this salad for a casual family lunch. The smoky aroma of the grilled chicken filled the air, and everyone loved how the juicy chicken complemented the fresh vegetables. What’s great about BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is how customizable it is—you can mix and match your favorite veggies, add extra toppings like cheese or nuts, and even experiment with different BBQ sauces for the dressing. The combination of tender chicken, crisp greens, and tangy BBQ dressing is a flavor explosion in every bite.

This salad is surprisingly easy to prepare, too. With just a few simple ingredients and the ability to grill or cook the chicken in advance, you can put this dish together in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress at a summer cookout or need a quick, nutritious dinner, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

  • Summer barbecues
  • Meal prepping
  • Healthy weekend lunch
  • Salad lovers
  • Outdoor gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will become your go-to dish:

  • Grilled Chicken on Skewers: The smoky BBQ chicken adds a satisfying depth of flavor to the fresh, crunchy vegetables.
  • Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this salad is a wholesome and balanced meal.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your tastes, whether it’s adding more veggies, swapping the dressing, or changing up the protein.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad is great for prepping in advance and can be stored in the fridge for easy meals all week.
  • Refreshing and Flavorful: The combination of BBQ chicken and a light, tangy dressing makes for a satisfying and refreshing meal that works for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, and romaine)
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 avocado, sliced

For the Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: The lean chicken breast provides protein and absorbs the BBQ flavors beautifully.
  • BBQ Sauce: Adds smoky, sweet, and tangy depth to the chicken.
  • Salad Greens: A mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine provides freshness, crunch, and nutrients.
  • Corn: Adds a sweet crunch to complement the smoky chicken.
  • Avocado: Creamy avocado slices balance the tangy dressing and BBQ flavors.
  • Dressing: A tangy, slightly sweet dressing with Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to bring everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

Prepare the Chicken Skewers:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and lightly charred. Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Once cooked, remove from the grill and set aside.

Prepare the Salad:

  1. Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad by slicing the cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, sliced vegetables, corn, and avocado slices. Toss gently to combine.

Make the Dressing:

  1. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

  1. Add the Chicken: Once the chicken skewers are done, remove the chicken from the skewers and place the pieces on top of the prepared salad.
  2. Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients.
  3. Serve: Serve the salad immediately, garnishing with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

How to Serve

  • As a Main Dish: This salad makes a complete meal with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado.
  • Pair with Grilled Veggies: For an extra veggie boost, serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus.
  • Serve with Flatbread or Crusty Bread: Pair the salad with warm flatbread or crusty bread for added texture.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for some extra heat.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Pack the salad and dressing separately for an easy, healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Additional Tips

  • Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  • Use fresh corn on the cob in summer for an even better taste, or use frozen/canned corn if needed.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken; it should remain juicy and tender.
  • Feel free to add extra toppings like cheese, nuts, or seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

  1. Grilled Tofu BBQ Skewers Salad (Vegetarian)
  2. BBQ Shrimp Skewer Salad
  3. Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers Salad
  4. BBQ Chicken and Bacon Skewer Salad
  5. BBQ Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
  6. Southwest BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
  7. BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Mango Salsa
  8. BBQ Chicken Skewer and Quinoa Salad
  9. BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
  10. BBQ Chicken Skewers with Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: This salad is best served fresh but can store the grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat the chicken before serving.
  • Storage: The assembled salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

Special Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers
  • Whisk
  • Salad spinner (optional, for drying greens)
  • Knife and cutting board

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes! Chicken thighs work well and remain juicier, making them a great option for grilling. Just ensure they’re cooked through.
  2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
    You can prep the chicken and salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.
  3. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
    Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, but for a more unique flavor, try making your own with ingredients like honey, vinegar, and spices.
  4. Can I make this salad vegan?
    Yes, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, and use a vegan BBQ sauce and dressing for a plant-based version.
  5. Can I use a different protein?
    You can use grilled shrimp, steak, or even a veggie burger patty. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
  6. How do I make the dressing spicier?
    Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the dressing for some extra heat.
  7. Can I grill the vegetables as well?
    Yes! Grilling vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers adds extra flavor and pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken.
  8. Can I use frozen corn?
    Yes, frozen corn works fine. Just thaw and warm it up before adding it to the salad.
  9. Can I store leftovers?
    Leftover chicken can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just keep the salad and dressing separate to prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate blend of smoky grilled chicken and fresh, vibrant salad ingredients. Perfect for everything from a light summer meal to a meal prep option or a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, this salad offers a refreshing balance of flavors. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, protein, or dressing to make it your own!

The smoky, tender chicken pairs wonderfully with crisp veggies, creating a satisfying dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or a special occasion, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is sure to impress and become a go-to favorite.

I’d love to see how your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!

Leave a Comment