BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: The Ultimate Grilled Delight Recipe

Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts); 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided); 8 6-inch wooden skewers, pre-soaked; 1 cup avocado oil (for dressing); 1 large egg; 1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for dressing); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 ears corn; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for corn); 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (about 2 small heads); 6 green onions (thinly sliced (green parts only)); 16 ounces about 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes; 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup loosely packed (freshly chopped cilantro leaves); 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil; 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced into medium cubes)

Introduction to BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and delicious meal that combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken with vibrant vegetables, look no further than our BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious option that is sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for summer cookouts or a weeknight dinner, this salad brings together the best of both worlds—grilled goodness and fresh greens.

A Personal Story Behind My BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Journey

I first discovered this flavorful dish during a family barbecue. My aunt would prepare her famous chicken skewers, marinated in a delicious BBQ sauce, and the aroma would waft through the air, enticing everyone to gather around the grill. Inspired by her culinary skills, I set out to create my own version, incorporating fresh ingredients and a homemade herby ranch dressing. Now, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad has become a staple in my home, enjoyed by family and friends alike!

What Makes This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe Special?

What sets this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad apart is the combination of juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy herby ranch dressing that ties everything together. The marinade infuses the chicken with robust flavors, while the salad’s bright colors and textures make for a visually appealing dish. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. This recipe is not just about eating; it’s about savoring every bite!

The Full BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups BBQ sauce, divided
8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, pre-soaked
1 cup avocado oil (for dressing)
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt (for dressing)
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 ears corn
2 tablespoons avocado oil (for corn)
8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (about 2 small heads)
6 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
16 ounces (about 2 cups) quartered grape tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup loosely packed, freshly chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced into medium cubes

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet to pound the chicken to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir until well combined. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours. (Tip: Marinating longer enhances the flavor.)

Make the Herby Ranch Dressing: In a wide-mouth jar, add the avocado oil and egg. Using an immersion blender, blend without moving it for 10 to 15 seconds until the mixture turns white and creamy. Slowly move the blender up and down until it emulsifies into a mayonnaise. Add the coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, and minced garlic. Blend until combined. Stir in the dill, parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Grill the Chicken and Prepare the Salad: Thread the marinated chicken onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, 4 to 5 pieces each. Drizzle the corn with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and rub to coat evenly.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (350°F to 400°F) and oil the grill grates by dipping a wadded paper towel in oil and using tongs to wipe it over the grates. (Tip: This helps prevent sticking.)
Once the grill is hot, add the corn and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often until tender. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until grill marks form. Flip the skewers, baste the grilled side with the reserved BBQ sauce, and continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the corn and chicken to a platter and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced romaine lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Add your desired amount of herby ranch dressing and toss until the lettuce is well coated.

Cut the corn from the cob and add it to the salad along with the diced avocado. Gently toss to combine.
Top the salad with the grilled chicken skewers, serve, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions and Variations for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish for any summer gathering. For added crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. If you want a spicy kick, sprinkle some chili powder on the chicken marinade before grilling. You could also swap out the veggies for seasonal favorites like bell peppers or zucchini. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Can I prep this salad in advance? Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing a day ahead. Just assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce? If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, try a homemade BBQ sauce or a sugar-free variety. You can also use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes, this salad holds up well in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy greens.