The Perfect Summer BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for Backyard Feasts

BBQ chicken skewers convert an ordinary salad into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Tender, smoky meat nestled atop crisp greens creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Grilling adds a deep, caramelized complexity to the protein, elevating the entire dish with its rich, charred notes.

Summer gatherings find their ultimate companion in this vibrant, protein-packed meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a light yet substantial dining experience that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

The combination of grilled chicken and garden-fresh vegetables provides a delightful contrast of temperatures and sensations.

Bold seasonings and a zesty dressing tie everything together in a harmonious culinary symphony.

Why BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Hits the Spot

• Boost Flavor Complexity: The recipe combines tangy BBQ sauce marinade with homemade herby ranch dressing, creating a multi-layered taste experience that transforms an ordinary chicken salad into a gourmet meal.
• Elevate Grilling Technique: Perfectly charred corn and chicken skewers deliver smoky, caramelized notes while maintaining juicy meat texture, showcasing professional grilling skills that elevate home cooking.
• Nutrient-Packed Salad Base: Packed with fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, black beans, avocado, and herbs, this salad provides a vibrant, nutritious foundation that supports a balanced and delicious meal.
• Quick Customizable Meal: With flexible preparation options like make-ahead marinating and dressing, this recipe offers convenience and adaptability for busy home cooks seeking a delicious yet simple dinner solution.

Ingredient Guide for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when marinated, best when fresh and boneless.
• Egg: Helps create creamy homemade mayonnaise with rich texture and binding properties.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy flavor to chicken, provides caramelization and moisture.
• Avocado Oil: High-heat cooking oil with mild flavor, helps prevent sticking and adds smooth texture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Store-Bought Mayo or Homemade Mayo: Creamy base for the dressing, provides rich and smooth consistency.
• Coconut Milk: Adds subtle sweetness and creaminess to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and tanginess to balance the dressing.
• Onion Powder, Minced Garlic: Provides depth of savory flavor.
• Fresh Dill, Fresh Parsley: Adds herbal notes and freshness to the dressing.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and complexity.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp base for the salad with good texture and nutritional value.
• Green Onions: Adds mild onion flavor and fresh crunch.
• Grape Tomatoes: Provides sweet, juicy burst of flavor.
• Black Beans: Adds protein and earthy texture to the salad.
• Cilantro, Basil: Fresh herbs that enhance overall taste profile.
• Corn Ears: Sweet and charred vegetable that adds smoky flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy element with healthy fats.

How to Assemble BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness

Cube chicken into bite-sized pieces

Place chicken in a large mixing bowl

Step 2: Create Flavorful Marinade

• Avocado oil
• Kosher salt
• BBQ sauce

Stir until chicken is completely coated

Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 4-8 hours

Step 3: Whip Up Herby Ranch Dressing

For homemade mayo:

Pour oil into wide-mouth jar

Crack egg into oil

Use immersion blender to create mayo

• Hold blade on yolk for 10 seconds
• Slowly raise and lower blender until creamy

(Or use store-bought mayo)

• Coconut milk
• Lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Onion powder
• Minced garlic

• Dill
• Parsley
• Black pepper

Refrigerate until ready to use

Step 4: Grill Corn and Prepare Grill

Drizzle corn with avocado oil

Preheat grill to medium-high (350-400°F)

Lightly oil grill grates

Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes

Step 5: Grill Chicken Skewers

Place marinated chicken skewers on grill

Cook 3-4 minutes per side

Baste with reserved BBQ sauce

Ensure chicken is fully cooked with nice grill marks

Step 6: Assemble Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine:

Sliced romaine lettuce

Green onions

Grape tomatoes

Black beans

Cilantro

Basil

Herby Ranch dressing

Step 7: Final Touches

Cut corn off the cob

Add corn and diced avocado to salad

Gently toss to combine

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Top salad with grilled BBQ chicken skewers

Serve immediately and savor the delicious flavors

Quick Tips for Best Grilled Chicken Salad

• Pound Evenly: Use a meat mallet or heavy skillet to create uniform chicken thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and tender meat.
• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken absorb BBQ sauce flavors for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate up to 8 hours for deeper, richer taste.
• Blend Carefully: When making homemade mayo, keep immersion blender stationary initially to help emulsification happen smoothly and prevent separation.
• Grill with Precision: Maintain medium-high heat and keep grill lid closed to lock in moisture and create perfect grill marks on chicken skewers.
• Dress Strategically: Add dressing gradually and toss salad gently to coat ingredients evenly without drowning the fresh vegetables.

Save and Reheat BBQ Skewer Salad with Ease

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover salad and chicken to separate airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy lettuce.
• Chicken Storage: Store grilled chicken skewers in a sealed container. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
• Reheating: Warm chicken skewers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add fresh dressing and crisp greens before serving to restore the salad's original zesty flavor.

Side Ideas for Skewer Salad Plates

• Craft a Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this BBQ chicken skewer salad with a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc that cuts through the richness of the BBQ sauce and complements the herby ranch dressing's tangy profile.
• Fire Up a Refreshing Beer Match: Select a light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that balances the smoky grilled chicken and provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy avocado and vibrant salad ingredients.
• Blend a Citrus Mocktail Sidekick: Whip up a fresh lime and mint mocktail with sparkling water that echoes the salad's bright flavors, offering a zesty non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Create a Tropical Smoothie Splash: Mix a mango and pineapple smoothie that harmonizes with the BBQ sauce's sweetness and adds a tropical twist to complement the grilled corn and herby ranch dressing's complexity.

How to Change Up BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace BBQ sauce with chipotle marinade, add jalapeños, and incorporate pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap BBQ sauce for Greek yogurt and lemon marinade, include cucumber, feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Tropical Coconut Crunch: Use coconut-lime marinade, add mango chunks, toasted coconut flakes, and swap romaine with mixed spring greens for a vibrant island-style salad.
• Asian Sesame Sensation: Replace BBQ sauce with soy-ginger marinade, incorporate edamame, mandarin oranges, and top with crispy wonton strips for an Asian-inspired version.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired BBQ chicken skewer salad brings zesty grilled flavors to crisp greens. Fresh herbs, tangy feta, and smoky chicken create a light summer meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinades and Sauces:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) avocado oil
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (15 grams) finely chopped fresh dill
• ¼ cup (15 grams) finely chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup (15 grams) freshly chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) freshly chopped basil

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers (pre-soaked)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) light-tasting oil
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 4 ears of corn
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only)
• 2 cups (300 grams) quartered grape tomatoes
• 1 (15-

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Instructions

1. Create an even thickness of chicken breasts by gently pounding them with a meat mallet or heavy skillet. Cube the meat into uniform pieces.
2. Immerse the chicken cubes in a vibrant marinade of avocado oil, kosher salt, and BBQ sauce. Ensure complete coating and let it rest at room temperature or refrigerate for enhanced flavor infusion.
3. Craft the herby ranch dressing by creating a homemade mayonnaise using oil and an egg. Stabilize the emulsion by carefully blending with an immersion blender until creamy and smooth.
4. Enhance the mayo base by incorporating coconut milk, lemon juice, seasonings, and aromatic herbs. Blend thoroughly and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Prepare corn by lightly coating with avocado oil, ensuring even coverage for optimal grilling results.
6. Fire up the grill to medium-high temperature and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
7. Grill corn, rotating every two minutes, until achieving a tender texture with beautiful char marks.
8. Simultaneously place chicken skewers on the grill, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side. Baste with reserved BBQ sauce to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
9. Remove grilled corn and chicken, allowing them to rest and cool slightly for easier handling.
10. Assemble the salad by combining crisp romaine, green onions, juicy tomatoes, hearty black beans, and fresh herbs in a large bowl.
11. Drizzle with herby ranch dressing and toss until ingredients are evenly coated.
12. Slice corn kernels directly into the salad and add creamy diced avocado.
13. Garnish with the perfectly grilled BBQ chicken skewers and serve immediately for maximum flavor and freshness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes to infuse deep, tangy BBQ flavor into every bite.
• Homemade mayo creates a creamy, rich ranch dressing that elevates the entire salad experience.
• Grilling corn and chicken simultaneously maximizes outdoor cooking efficiency and adds smoky char.
• Refrigerated dressing stays fresh up to one week, making it perfect for meal prep and quick lunches.
• Toss salad gently to maintain fresh ingredients’ crisp texture and prevent wilting.
• Let grilled items rest briefly after cooking to lock in juices and prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg