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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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A vibrant and flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, sweet corn, and a creamy herby ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or a healthy meal.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (for chicken skewers)

3 tbsp avocado oil (for chicken skewers)

1 tsp kosher salt (for chicken skewers)

2 cups BBQ sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand, for chicken skewers)

8 [6-inch] wooden skewers, pre-soaked (for chicken skewers)

1 cup light-tasting oil (for herby ranch)

1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo, for herby ranch)

1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk (for herby ranch)

2 tbsp lemon juice (for herby ranch)

1 tbsp red wine vinegar (for herby ranch)

1 tsp kosher salt (for herby ranch)

1 tsp onion powder (for herby ranch)

2 cloves minced garlic (for herby ranch)

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds (for herby ranch)

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (for herby ranch)

1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (for herby ranch)

4 ears corn (omit for Whole30, for salad)

2 tbsp avocado oil (for corn)

8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads, for salad)

6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only, for salad)

2 cups quartered grape tomatoes (or 16 ounces, for salad)

1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30, for salad)

1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves (for salad)

2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves (for salad)

1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, and diced (for salad)

Instructions

  1. For the chicken: Pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness, cut into 2-inch pieces, and marinate with avocado oil, salt, and 1 cup BBQ sauce for at least 20 minutes (or 4-8 hours in the fridge).
  2. For the dressing: In a jar or bowl, combine the oil, egg (if using), and blend with an immersion blender until thick. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic, then blend until smooth. Stir in chopped dill, parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Grill the corn: Drizzle with avocado oil and grill at medium-high heat (350-400°F), turning every 2 minutes, for 10-12 minutes until tender.
  4. Grill the chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes on the first side, flip, baste with BBQ sauce, and grill for another 3-4 minutes until cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
  5. Cool and cut the corn: Remove the corn from the grill, cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
  6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, avocado, and grilled corn. Toss with the herby ranch dressing.
  7. Serve: Top the salad with grilled chicken skewers and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For extra protein, try grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
  • For a vegan version, omit the chicken and feta, and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • For more veggies, add bell peppers, cucumbers, or roasted sweet potatoes.
  • The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days without the chicken, but it’s best served fresh.

Nutrition