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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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