BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a casual family dinner. This salad combines tender grilled chicken skewers with vibrant vegetables, creating a colorful and nutritious meal. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it also offers versatility; you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious salad ready in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The smoky BBQ chicken paired with fresh veggies creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies or toppings based on your taste or dietary needs, making it suitable for various diets.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for lunches throughout the week.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this dish visually appealing, ensuring it’s a hit at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking more enjoyable and streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These are crucial for assembling the chicken and vegetable skewers. Pre-soaking them prevents burning during grilling.
- Grill or grill pan: A good grill ensures even cooking and adds that classic smoky flavor to your chicken.
- Mixing bowls: Use these for preparing dressings or marinating your chicken before grilling.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easier and safer.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups bbq sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand)
- 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers (pre-soaked)
For the Dressing
- 1 cup light tasting 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 minced garlic
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Salad Base
- 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 loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
- 1 avocado (peeled and seed removed and diced medium)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the avocado oil and kosher salt. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix until they are well coated.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Thread pieces of marinated chicken onto each wooden skewer. You can alternate with chunks of vegetables like bell peppers or onions if desired.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together light tasting oil, egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, minced garlic, dill fronds, parsley, and cracked black pepper until smooth.
Step 5: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, combine romaine lettuce, corn (if using), green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro leaves, basil leaves, and diced avocado.
Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken skewers are cooked through, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving atop your prepared salad base. Drizzle with dressing before enjoying!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Serving BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad can elevate your meal experience, making it both visually appealing and delicious. Here are some ideas to enhance your presentation and flavor.
Platter Style
- Arrange the salad on a large platter for a shared dining experience. Layer the lettuce, veggies, and chicken skewers beautifully for a colorful display.
Individual Bowls
- Serve in individual bowls for a personal touch. This allows each guest to enjoy their own portion while keeping things neat and tidy.
Add Extra Toppings
- Offer additional toppings like crumbled feta or sliced jalapeños on the side. This lets guests customize their salads according to their preferences.
Drizzle with Dressing
- Provide extra BBQ sauce or a homemade vinaigrette in a small jar. Guests can add more flavor as they like, ensuring everyone gets their desired taste.
Pair with Grilled Corn
- Serve grilled corn on the side for a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ chicken skewers. It adds sweetness and crunch to every bite.
How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
To make your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad truly outstanding, consider these tips. They help ensure each component shines through.
Marinate the Chicken – Let the chicken soak in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor and nutrition. Fresh produce makes a noticeable difference in taste.
Grill Over Medium Heat – Cook the skewers over medium heat for even cooking. This prevents charring while allowing the chicken to cook through perfectly.
Keep it Colorful – Add a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers or radishes. A vibrant salad is not only appealing but also nutrient-rich.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Pairing sides with your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
Cornbread – A sweet, moist cornbread complements the savory flavors of the salad. It adds a nice texture contrast as well.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the BBQ chicken.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring an added depth of flavor and color to your meal.
Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad offers comfort and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a perfect sidekick.
Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing provides protein and fiber while being refreshing alongside the skewers.
Fruit Salad – A bright fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, creating a wonderful contrast with the savory flavors of the main dish.
Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread serves as an excellent tool for scooping up any leftover salad or dipping into extra sauce!
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad brings crispness that cuts through richness, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and result in a delicious dish. Here are some tips to help you out.
- Using dry chicken: Overcooking the chicken can lead to a dry texture. To avoid this, monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F.
- Skipping marination: Not marinating the chicken means missing out on flavor. Let it sit in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
- Ignoring skewer prep: Failing to soak wooden skewers can lead to burning. Always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Overcrowding skewers: Packing too many pieces onto one skewer can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece for proper heat circulation.
- Neglecting vegetable prep: Using unwashed or poorly cut vegetables can affect taste and presentation. Wash and chop veggies uniformly for even cooking and a beautiful salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- For best quality, freeze the chicken separately from the salad components.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it will last up to 3 months.
Reheating BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that might help you with your preparation.
How do I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad healthy?
You can make it healthier by using less BBQ sauce or opting for a homemade dressing with fresh ingredients instead of store-bought options.
Can I customize the veggies in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on your preferences, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even fruits like pineapple.
What is the best way to serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal. You can also add extra toppings like feta cheese or nuts for added flavor and crunch.
Is there a vegan version of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Yes! Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and replace the mayo with an avocado-based dressing for a delicious vegan option.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different veggies or proteins according to your taste. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a hearty meal any day of the week!
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate summer dish that brings together the smoky flavor of grilled chicken and a medley of vibrant, fresh vegetables. Perfect for picnics, backyard BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is not only visually appealing but also customizable to suit your tastes. With tender chicken skewers drizzled with a zesty homemade dressing and served over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
- 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh herbs (dill and parsley)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and combine with avocado oil and salt.
- Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
- In a bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix lettuce, tomatoes, diced avocado, and any additional veggies.
- Top salad with grilled skewers and drizzle with dressing before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
