Sizzling BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for Summer Feasts

Summer sizzles with this mouthwatering BBQ chicken skewer salad that blends smoky grilled flavors with crisp, fresh ingredients.

Tender chicken marinated in zesty spices takes center stage in this vibrant dish.

Colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing complement the perfectly charred meat, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of southwestern-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive meal.

Light, satisfying, and packed with nutrition, this salad transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Grab your apron and prepare to delight everyone at the table with this irresistible recipe.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Special Features

• Quickly Customize: Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe adaptable for various palates and nutrition requirements.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combo: Combines grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, and homemade ranch for a satisfying meal that appeals to both health-conscious and comfort food lovers.
• Minimal Kitchen Mess: Uses simple techniques like marinating and grilling, reducing cleanup time and allowing more enjoyment with minimal cooking complexity.
• Versatile Summer Delight: Perfect for backyard gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinners, offering a fresh and flavorful option that impresses without complicated preparation.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this salad and is marinated in BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides a tangy and sweet coating for the chicken.
• Oil, Salt: Help to tenderize and season the chicken during marination.

• Lettuce, Corn, Vegetables, Avocado: Create a fresh and nutritious foundation for the grilled chicken skewers.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy sauce made with oil, egg, and additional ingredients that adds richness to the salad.
• Herbs: Provide additional fresh and aromatic notes to the overall dish.

• Oil: Used for grilling corn and preventing chicken from sticking to the grill.
• Skewers: Help in cooking and presenting the chicken in an organized manner.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Steps

Step 1: Tenderize and Cube Chicken

Gently pound chicken to create an even surface, then slice into bite-sized cubes.

• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Tangy BBQ sauce

Let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least 20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Ranch Dressing

Transform simple ingredients into a velvety ranch using an immersion blender.

• Neutral oil
• Fresh egg
• Creamy base ingredients
• Aromatic herbs

Blend until smooth and silky, then fold in fresh chopped herbs for extra zing.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high and prepare for sizzling action.

Brush corn with oil and place on grates.

Simultaneously, thread marinated chicken onto skewers.

Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

Cook chicken skewers 3-4 minutes per side, generously basting with additional BBQ sauce for a caramelized finish.

Step 4: Assemble Vibrant Salad Base

• Crisp lettuce
• Seasonal vegetables
• Fresh herbs
• Chopped avocado
• Grilled corn kernels

Drizzle with the homemade ranch dressing.

Step 5: Present and Enjoy

Crown the salad with perfectly grilled chicken skewers.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and bursting with flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewer Salads

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the BBQ sauce marinade.
• Let chicken sit in BBQ sauce for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 8 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• Watch chicken skewers closely while cooking, turning every 3-4 minutes to achieve perfect char without burning.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives to elevate the homemade ranch dressing's flavor profile.
• Rotate corn on grill every few minutes to get beautiful, even caramelization and smoky flavor.

Salad Variations for Skewers

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same BBQ sauce for a plant-based protein option.
• Seafood Swap: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken, adjusting grilling time to prevent overcooking while maintaining the BBQ flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular BBQ sauce with a gluten-free version and ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip corn and replace with grilled zucchini or bell peppers, using a sugar-free BBQ sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Backyard Barbecue Centerpiece: Create a vibrant summer feast by arranging skewers dramatically across the salad, showcasing the grilled chicken's beautiful char marks.
• Casual Family Dinner Delight: Serve family-style on a large platter with extra ranch dressing on the side, allowing everyone to customize their portions and enjoy interactive dining.
• Picnic Perfect Presentation: Pack components separately in containers for a portable meal that can be assembled quickly at parks or outdoor gatherings, keeping ingredients fresh and crisp.
• Protein Power Bowl Transformation: Convert the salad into a hearty grain bowl by adding quinoa or brown rice underneath, boosting nutritional value and making the meal more filling.

Salad Storage Advice

• Store remaining BBQ chicken skewer salad in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep chicken, dressing, and salad ingredients separately to maintain freshness and prevent soggy lettuce.
• Enjoy refrigerated salad within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, as fresh ingredients lose crispness rapidly.
• Do not freeze this salad, as lettuce, ranch dressing, and avocado will become watery and lose their original quality when thawed.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have no pink in the center and juices should run clear.

• Can I use store-bought ranch instead of homemade?

Yes, but homemade ranch offers fresher flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand and consider adding fresh herbs to enhance taste.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

A balanced, slightly sweet BBQ sauce with tangy notes works great. Kansas City or Memphis-style sauces are excellent choices that complement grilled chicken.

Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this BBQ chicken skewer salad, blending grilled meat with crisp greens and zesty herbs. Fresh ingredients and smoky chicken create a light, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Components:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15-ounce) (425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Skewer and Seasoning Components:

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, pre-soaked

Salad and Herb Components:

• 4 ears corn
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only)
• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup light tasting oil (avocado or light olive oil)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by tenderizing to uniform thickness and cutting into cubes. Coat thoroughly with BBQ sauce and oil, ensuring complete coverage. Allow flavors to infuse for 20 minutes to 8 hours in refrigerator.
2. Create homemade ranch dressing using immersion blender to emulsify oil and egg. Incorporate remaining ingredients until smooth, finishing with fresh chopped herbs for vibrant flavor.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 400°F. Brush corn with oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically for even charring. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and cook 3-4 minutes per side, frequently basting with additional BBQ sauce.
4. Assemble salad base by mixing fresh lettuce, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Slice grilled corn kernels off cob and add to mixture. Carefully slice ripe avocado and distribute evenly.
5. Plate salad and arrange grilled chicken skewers on top. Drizzle remaining ranch dressing for added moisture and flavor complexity. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm and crisp.

Notes

• Try different BBQ sauce flavors like honey mustard, spicy chipotle, or tangy Carolina-style to add unique twists to the chicken’s taste profile.
• Gently pound chicken to ensure even cooking and maximum sauce absorption, preventing dry or tough meat during grilling.
• Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian versions, maintaining the same marination and grilling method.
• Prepare ranch dressing and marinate chicken a day in advance to intensify flavors and save time during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg