If you’re craving a dish that boasts vibrant colors, a delightful mix of textures, and a symphony of bold flavors, look no further than this phenomenal BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe. This recipe brilliantly combines juicy, smoky chicken grilled to perfection with fresh, crisp vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or a weekend barbecue gathering, this salad delivers satisfaction in every bite while keeping things light and wholesome. It’s a surefire way to impress friends, family, or simply treat yourself to a meal bursting with freshness and that unforgettable smoky BBQ goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is easy because it relies on simple yet essential ingredients that pack a punch both in flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role, from the tender marinated chicken to the crunchy vegetables and the zingy dressing that finishes it off perfectly.
- Chicken (1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, cubed): The star protein, juicy and tender when marinated and grilled.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): Brings that irresistible smoky and tangy flavor to the chicken.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon + 1/4 cup): For marinating and dressing, adds richness and helps everything blend beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds an umami depth to the chicken marinade.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory notes of the marinade.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smoky warmth complementing the BBQ sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Balances all the flavors and seasons every element perfectly.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for grilling the chicken in neat, juicy portions.
- Mixed salad greens (6 cups): A fresh and crisp base that adds color and crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness to brighten every bite.
- Cucumber (1 cup, sliced): Adds refreshing coolness and crisp texture.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Offers a sharp, zesty contrast.
- Shredded carrots (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of color and some subtle earthiness.
- Corn kernels (1/2 cup): Sweet and tender morsels that complement the savory chicken.
- Black beans (1/2 cup, rinsed and drained): Adds hearty texture and a touch of protein.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy, buttery richness that balances the salad.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Bright, fresh herbaceous notes for garnish.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds tangy zip to the dressing to lift all flavors.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness in the dressing.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives the dressing a subtle kick and creamy texture.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your cubed chicken and stir to coat every piece evenly. Let this flavorful mix work its magic by marinating for at least half an hour; this allows the chicken to absorb all the smoky and savory goodness. If you’re prepared ahead, marinate up to two hours for even better flavor. Don’t forget to soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers and place them on the grill. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece boasts a nice char and is cooked through. This step is where the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe really starts to take on that irresistible smoky aroma and a beautifully caramelized crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
While the chicken grills, toss together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, shredded carrots, corn, and black beans in a large salad bowl. These veggies layer the salad with vibrant color, crunch, and a balance of sweet, savory, and crisp elements—all vital to complement the grilled chicken skewers.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing combines a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste that brightens the whole salad. It’s simple, fresh, and perfectly balances the richness of the BBQ chicken.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Place the grilled chicken skewers right on top of the salad or serve them on the side for a striking presentation. Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The boatload of colors, textures, and flavors in this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is sure to make your taste buds sing with joy.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro as a garnish gives this salad an herbaceous lift that brightens each bite. You can also add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra zing and a slight kick. Toasted pumpkin seeds or a scattering of crumbled queso fresco can introduce texture and a nutty, salty contrast that elevates the salad further.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a main course, but you can accompany it with some warm garlic bread or grilled corn on the cob for an extra hearty, BBQ-inspired feast. A chilled, citrusy drink like a sparkling lemonade complements the smoky and tangy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and the greens and veggies next, topped with the chicken skewers laid across the jar mouth for a fun, portable twist. Alternatively, dismantle the skewers and toss the chicken pieces directly into the salad for a more casual, mixed presentation that’s just as tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken skewers, salad, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad greens are best kept undressed to avoid sogginess. Leftover chicken will stay delicious for up to three days when properly stored.
Freezing
While this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Avoid freezing the fresh salad and dressing to maintain their texture and vibrant flavors.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen or refrigerated chicken skewers gently on the grill or stovetop to restore their smoky char without drying them out. Serve immediately atop freshly tossed salad greens to recapture that fresh, vibrant experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender texture and often have a richer flavor that works wonderfully with the BBQ marinade. Just be sure to cut them into uniform cubes to cook evenly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika can mimic similar flavors. Alternatively, a spicy tomato-based sauce or even teriyaki sauce can offer a delicious variation.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce (tamari is a great gluten-free substitute). All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this salad for a picnic or outdoor event?
This salad is perfect for outdoor dining! Just keep the chicken skewers and dressing separate until serving time to maintain freshness. If transporting, pack the salad base chilled and add the warm grilled chicken skewers right before eating.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Adding extra black beans, quinoa, or even some grilled sweet potatoes will boost the salad’s heartiness. Nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts can also add satisfying crunch and protein.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the smoky flavor of grilled BBQ chicken combined with the freshness of crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, which makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe a total winner. It’s a fantastic balance of healthy and indulgent, perfect for any day you want a meal that feels like a celebration. I encourage you to try this recipe soon, bring the grill outside, and enjoy every single vibrant, savory bite. It might just become your new favorite go-to salad!
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and healthy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combining smoky grilled chicken marinated in flavorful BBQ sauce with fresh mixed greens and crunchy vegetables, finished with a tangy homemade dressing for a perfect balanced meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Skewers: In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and stir to coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Cook the Chicken Skewers: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through with a nice char. Remove from grill and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, corn, and black beans. Arrange avocado slices on top.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and well combined.
- Serve: Place grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad or serve on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Drizzle dressing over salad before serving or serve on the side.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken skewers in the oven.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing for desired sweetness.
- This salad is great for meal prep; keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
