BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Succulent BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delicious way to enjoy grilled chicken packed on skewers, complemented by fresh veggies and a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a satisfying dinner, this salad is a fantastic way to indulge while keeping things light and nutritious.

Why Make This Recipe

Creating a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is an easy way to bring a burst of flavor and healthy ingredients to your dinner table. It’s a versatile dish that not only features juicy chicken marinated in mouth-watering barbecue sauce but also offers colorful vegetables that provide crunch and nutrition. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding or omitting ingredients based on your preferences or dietary requirements. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that your family and friends are sure to love.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Making BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad involves three simple main steps: marinating the chicken, preparing the herby ranch dressing, and grilling the chicken before assembling your tasty salad. Here’s a detailed breakdown to guide you through the process.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand)
• 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers (pre-soaked)

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup light tasting oil
• 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo; see note)
• 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

For the Salad:

• 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, and diced medium)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Begin by placing the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with avocado oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for several hours will enhance the flavor even more.

2. Make the Herby-Ranch Dressing:
   While your chicken marinates, you can whip up the herby ranch dressing. In a bowl, combine the light-tasting oil, egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined and set it aside. For a consistent texture without the egg, use a store-bought mayo instead.

3. Grill the Chicken and Make the Salad:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, making sure to leave a little bit of space between each piece for even cooking. Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

   Meanwhile, grill the corn for an extra boost of flavor (if you’re including it). Once grilled, let it cool and slice the kernels off the cob.

   In a large bowl, mix together the romaine lettuce, sliced green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, and avocado. Once the chicken skewers are done, remove the chicken from the skewers and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken with the salad and drizzle with the herby ranch dressing before serving.

Pro Tips for Success with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, organic chicken and fresh produce. This elevates the overall taste of your salad.
2. Pre-soak Skewers: Soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
3. Marination Time: Don’t rush the marination process! Let the chicken soak in those BBQ flavors longer for a tastier result.
4. Grill in Batches: If you have a lot of chicken, grill it in batches to ensure even cooking and that nothing gets overcrowded on the grill.
5. Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the herbs in the dressing based on what you have on hand or your personal taste!

Flavor Variations for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

1. Spicy Kick: Add some chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the marinade if you like a little heat.
2. Fruit Addition: Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist that complements the BBQ flavors beautifully.
3. Nutty Crunch: Incorporate toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for that extra crunch.
4. Cheese Option: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds creaminess and enhances flavors, especially if you love cheese.
5. Alternative Proteins: If you prefer tofu or shrimp, feel free to swap out the chicken for a delightful variation.

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

When serving BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, consider some complementary sides or additions. A light fruit salad or a chilled cucumber soup can pair well with the savory flavors of the salad. It’s also a hit at potlucks or picnics, where it can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

To store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will remain fresh for about 3 days. If you plan to freeze, you might consider freezing the grilled chicken separately to retain its texture, as salads generally do not freeze well. Just reheat the chicken on the grill or stovetop, and toss with a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: 620mg

FAQ About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Can you use different sauces for the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Absolutely! While a barbecue sauce gives the chicken a distinct flavor, you can experiment with marinades like teriyaki or honey mustard to achieve different tastes and styles for your skewer salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is ideal for meal prepping. You can grill the chicken and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Assemble the salad without the dressing in advance, and add it just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crunchy.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the herby ranch dressing a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake or stir before using it to ensure the flavors meld together nicely.

What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

This salad pairs well with various side dishes such as quinoa, garlic bread, or a light pasta salad. You can also serve it alongside grilled veggies for a complete meal.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids generally enjoy the fun of skewers and the sweet and savory flavors of BBQ chicken. You can also involve them in the preparation process — letting them pick the veggies or help assemble the salad can be a fun family activity.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and nutrition. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties, it is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The flexibility in ingredients and flavors means you can easily adapt it to suit your needs. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a snack, this dish is a surefire way to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A succulent BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad featuring grilled chicken skewers, fresh vegetables, and a zesty herby ranch dressing.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 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
• 6 green onions (thinly sliced; green part only)
• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes
• 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, and diced medium)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken by placing the chicken breasts in a large bowl and drizzling them with avocado oil and kosher salt. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, coat well, cover, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the herby ranch dressing by combining light-tasting oil, egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, grill for about 10–12 minutes until cooked through, turning occasionally.
4. Grill the corn if desired; cool and slice the kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine romaine, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, basil, and avocado.
5. Toss the cooked chicken pieces with the salad and drizzle with the herby ranch dressing before serving.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, consider using a store-bought mayonnaise instead of the homemade version. Additionally, customize the salad by adding other vegetables or proteins as desired.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American