If you’re searching for a show-stopping meal that bursts with smoky flavor, crunch, and loads of vibrant color, let me introduce you to BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. This is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to trot out for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or lazy summer weekends, and it hits every note: juicy barbecue-glazed chicken, crisp-tender grilled corn, creamy avocado, and a shower of fresh herbs, all tossed in the dreamiest herby ranch. It’s hearty yet refreshing, and every forkful tells you you’ve made something truly special—trust me, your guests (or just you!) will be coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a recipe that makes each ingredient shine! Every element adds its own delicious touch to this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, so grab your shopping list and let’s dig into what you’ll need and why it matters.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The hero of our skewers—juicy, lean, and soaks up every bit of smoky barbecue flavor.
  • Avocado oil: Adds richness and a high smoke point for both marinating the chicken and grilling the veggies.
  • Kosher salt: Essential for elevating all the flavors throughout the salad.
  • BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen or your favorite): Deep, tangy, sweet flavor—makes every chicken chunk irresistible.
  • Wooden skewers (6-inch, pre-soaked): Skewers keep things handheld and perfectly portioned—plus, look how cute they are!
  • Light tasting oil (for Herby Ranch): The smooth, barely-there flavor is key for letting the herbs shine in the dressing.
  • Egg (for Herby Ranch, or sub store-bought mayo): Helps emulsify the dressing for that ultra-creamy ranch texture.
  • Unsweetened full fat coconut milk: Adds healthy creaminess and a hint of tropical flair, no dairy required.
  • Lemon juice: Pops with brightness and helps bring the whole dressing together.
  • Red wine vinegar: Sharpness to balance the creamy ranch and smoky chicken.
  • Onion powder & minced garlic: Potent aromatics you’ll definitely notice in every bite.
  • Fresh dill & parsley: Classic, herbal freshness that makes the ranch taste like summer in a jar.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle heat and draw-you-in aroma.
  • Corn (fresh ears): Sweet, smoky, and the perfect pop of yellow on your salad (omit for Whole30).
  • Romaine lettuce: Crisp, juicy, and the ultimate base for holding up to bold flavors.
  • Green onions: Gentle bite and a beautiful splash of green.
  • Grape tomatoes: Juicy, tart, and, let’s face it, so pretty.
  • Black beans (omit for Whole30): Creamy texture and extra protein—totally hearty and filling.
  • Fresh cilantro & basil: These herbs add complexity and garden-fresh notes you can’t get anywhere else.
  • Avocado: Creamy, buttery, and a cooling finish for every forkful.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First, we want our chicken super juicy and bursting with flavor! Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness—trust me, this matters for even cooking. Cut the chicken into generous 2-inch cubes, then tumble them in a bowl with avocado oil, a sprinkle of kosher salt, and half your BBQ sauce. Toss until the pieces are fully coated, then let the magic happen: marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temp (or, if you’re ahead of the game, cover and chill for up to 8 hours). The longer you let them soak, the bigger the flavor payoff.

Step 2: Make the Herby Ranch

This dreamy dressing is pure ranch heaven, and the good news? It’s easier than you think. Pour your oil into a wide-mouth jar, crack the egg in, and blend with an immersion blender—don’t move it until you see a thick, glossy mayo form. Next, add coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic, then blend again for creamy perfection. Stir in your dill, parsley, and black pepper by hand, then pop your herby ranch in the fridge while you prep everything else. The fresher the herbs, the more aromatic your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will be.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Fire up the grill to medium-high (about 350–400°F) and lightly oil the grates to keep things from sticking. Drizzle your corn with avocado oil, give it a light rub, and grill for about 10–12 minutes, turning every couple of minutes for those irresistible charred spots. While the corn cooks, thread the chicken onto the soaked skewers and set them on the grill. Grill each side 3–4 minutes until lovely grill marks appear, then baste with reserved BBQ sauce. Grill a few minutes more, flipping as needed, until the chicken is cooked through. Let the corn cool before slicing the kernels from the cob—this is your bitten-by-summer flavor bomb!

Step 4: Build the Salad

In your biggest serving bowl, pile in the crisp romaine, sliced green onions, juicy tomatoes, black beans (if using), and a shower of fresh cilantro and basil. Add a generous splash of herby ranch dressing and toss to coat every leaf—don’t be shy! Add in the grilled corn kernels and diced avocado, tossing gently to combine. This is where your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad takes on its full, glorious life. Serve with the hot BBQ chicken skewers nestled on top or on the side, and dig in!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish your salad with a flourish—maybe a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro, a twist of cracked black pepper, and a few thin slices of green onion. If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of the remaining herby ranch over the top makes everything look (and taste) dreamy. Crumbled feta or some crushed tortilla chips are delicious add-ons if you want to mix things up!

Side Dishes

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your table, fresh watermelon wedges or a simple grilled veggie platter are fantastic. For something heartier, serve with some crusty bread or grilled sweet potato wedges—the smoky flavors play so well together.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this dish to a party or picnic, thread the chicken onto shorter skewers and serve each person their own mini salad bowl, tucked with a single skewer on top. You can also arrange salad ingredients in rows on a platter for a gorgeous “composed” look—then let everyone grab a skewer and build their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (lucky you!), store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers. The salad will keep fresh for up to two days if you keep the dressing on the side, and the chicken can last up to three days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

While the fresh salad ingredients don’t freeze well, the grilled chicken skewers themselves are totally freezer-friendly. Let them cool, remove from the skewers, and stash in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, simply pop the pieces in a skillet over medium-low heat or warm them in the oven covered with foil. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken. Once warmed, serve the chicken atop a fresh batch of salad—easy and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, and work just as well in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and proceed with the marinade and grilling as instructed.

What’s the best way to make this salad Whole30 compliant?

Omitting the corn and black beans will keep your salad Whole30 friendly, and double-check your BBQ sauce and ranch ingredients to ensure they follow the guidelines. You’ll still get loads of delicious flavor from the grilled chicken and fresh veggies!

Can I prep anything in advance?

Definitely! The herby ranch can be made up to a week ahead, and the chicken can marinate overnight. You can also chop the veggies a day before and keep them in the fridge—just wait to assemble until serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Pick your favorite! Classic smoky BBQ sauce is a solid choice, or try a sweeter honey BBQ for extra caramelization. If you’re aiming for Whole30 or Paleo, Primal Kitchen is a reliable, clean-label option for your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

You can easily substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based ranch dressing. Keep all the smoky salad toppings, and your vegetarian friends will feel totally included in the BBQ fun!

Final Thoughts

Dive into your next meal adventure with this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad—it’s fresh, hearty, and straight-up irresistible every time. Whether you’re sharing it at a get-together or treating yourself on a busy weeknight, I just know you’ll fall in love with every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new summer ritual!

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