BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful and filling meal that combines the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken with a crunchy, refreshing salad. The homemade herby ranch dressing ties everything together, making each bite burst with flavor. It’s perfect for summer grilling and is versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences. The addition of grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a creamy avocado make this salad both satisfying and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a hearty dinner, this dish has it all.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 tbsp avocado oil

1 tsp kosher salt

2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen brand recommended)

For the W30 Herby Ranch:

1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado oil or “light” olive 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 garlic, minced

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 freshly chopped cilantro leaves

2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves

1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet to pound the chicken to a uniform ½-inch thickness. Cube the chicken into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.

Add the avocado oil, salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir until well combined. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours for a longer marination.

2. Make the Herby Ranch:

Pour the oil into a wide-mouth jar that’s slightly larger than the mouth of an immersion blender. Crack the egg into the oil and let it sink to the bottom of the jar.

Insert the immersion blender and rest the blade on top of the yolk. Do not move the blender for about 10 seconds until a thick mayo forms at the bottom.

Slowly raise and lower the blender to emulsify the entire jar into mayo.

Add the coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic, blending again to combine. Stir in the dill, parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Grill the Chicken and Make the Salad:

Drizzle the corn with avocado oil and rub to coat evenly.

Preheat the grill over medium-high heat (350-400°F) and oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.

Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until tender.

Meanwhile, thread the marinated chicken onto the pre-soaked skewers and grill the first side for 3-4 minutes, until nice grill marks form.

Flip the skewers and baste the grilled side generously with the reserved BBQ sauce. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks on both sides. Close the grill lid while cooking to retain heat.

Remove the corn and chicken from the grill and let the corn cool enough to handle.

4. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, and basil. Add the desired amount of herby ranch dressing and toss to coat the lettuce evenly.

Remove the corn from the cob and add to the salad along with the diced avocado. Toss gently to combine.

5. Serve:

Serve the salad with the grilled chicken skewers on top. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Grill the Veggies: For added flavor, grill the tomatoes and green onions along with the chicken and corn.

Use Different Proteins: You can swap the chicken for shrimp, steak, or tofu for variety.

Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free mayo or a plant-based alternative in the dressing for a fully dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers. The salad is best eaten fresh, but the grilled chicken will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Reheating: To reheat the chicken, warm it in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can use any BBQ sauce of your choice. For a healthier option, try a sugar-free or low-sodium BBQ sauce.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken.

3. Can I use a stovetop grill pan for the chicken?

Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan or a regular skillet if you don’t have access to a grill.

4. What can I substitute for the coconut milk in the dressing?

If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.

5. Can I make the ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the herby ranch dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

6. Can I make the salad without the beans?

Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the beans for a lower-carb or Whole30-friendly version of this salad.

7. What other vegetables can I add to the salad?

Feel free to add vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocados for more texture and flavor.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance?

The chicken and salad ingredients can be prepped in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad and serve it fresh to avoid sogginess.

9. Can I use frozen corn?

While fresh or grilled corn is ideal, you can use frozen corn if needed. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the salad.

10. Can I serve this with a different dressing?

Yes, if you prefer a different dressing, ranch, blue cheese, or vinaigrette would work well in place of the herby ranch.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a deliciously fresh and filling dish that’s perfect for grilling season. With its smoky chicken, grilled corn, and herby ranch dressing, it’s the ideal meal for warm evenings or weekend gatherings. This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal

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