BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. This salad combines juicy grilled chicken skewers with fresh vegetables, making it both filling and refreshing. With its bold flavors and colorful presentation, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s a fantastic choice for barbecues, picnics, or any occasion where you want a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken Skewers
• For the Dressing
• For the Salad Base
• How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Skewers
• Step 2: Grill the Skewers
• Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
• Step 4: Assemble the Salad
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Family Style
• Individual Plates
• Lettuce Wraps
• Meal Prep Containers
• Picnic Basket
• How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Reheating BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What can I add to my BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
• Can I make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?
• How do I store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
• Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad healthy?
• Can I substitute other proteins in this salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies, this salad is both nutritious and filling.
• Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies or swap out the chicken for another protein.
• Grilled Goodness: The BBQ chicken skewers add a smoky flavor that elevates the fresh ingredients in the salad.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it great for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for grilling the chicken evenly, allowing for easy flipping and cooking.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides that signature charred flavor that makes BBQ chicken so delicious.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining sauces and dressing ingredients before tossing them with your salad.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided, such as Primal Kitchen)
• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers (pre-soaked)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad Base

• 4 ears corn
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (from about 2 small heads)
• 6 green onions (thinly sliced; green parts only)
• 16 ounces (about 2 cups) quartered grape tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup loosely packed, freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
• 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced into medium cubes)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, combine avocado oil, kosher salt, and half of the BBQ sauce. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
4. Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.

Step 2: Grill the Skewers

1. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked, brushing with remaining BBQ sauce halfway through cooking.
2. Once cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together avocado oil, egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, minced garlic, dill fronds, parsley, black pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Grill corn until charred; cool slightly before cutting kernels off cob.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine romaine lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro leaves, basil, corn kernels, and diced avocado.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

Place BBQ chicken skewers atop mixed salad ingredients or serve alongside for an impressive presentation! Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or as a hearty weeknight meal, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Family Style

• Present the salad in a large bowl surrounded by the chicken skewers for a communal dining experience.

Individual Plates

• Serve portions of salad on individual plates, topping each with a skewer for easy eating.

Lettuce Wraps

• Use large romaine leaves as wraps, placing salad and skewers inside for a fun, hand-held option.

Meal Prep Containers

• Pack the salad along with skewers into meal prep containers for healthy lunches throughout the week.

Picnic Basket

• Great for outdoor activities, pack the salad and skewers in a picnic basket for an easy-to-transport meal.

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How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Creating the ideal BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad involves attention to detail and fresh ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Marinate the chicken: Allow chicken breasts to marinate in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.

• Pre-soak wooden skewers: Soaking prevents skewers from burning on the grill, ensuring even cooking.

• Grill corn alongside: Grill corn on the cob with chicken for added sweetness and texture in your salad.

• Chill vegetables: Keep lettuce and other veggies chilled before serving for a refreshing crunch.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil make a colorful addition.

2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and feta provides extra protein and balances the meal.

3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the salad.

4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and melons offers a sweet contrast to the smoky chicken.

5. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and complements the BBQ flavors beautifully.

6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon pair well with grilled chicken’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your salad is a hit.

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always let your chicken soak in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
• Not Soaking Skewers: Using dry wooden skewers can result in burning. Pre-soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Overcrowding the Skewers: Packing too much on each skewer makes cooking uneven. Leave space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Substituting fresh herbs with dried ones can diminish flavor. Use freshly chopped herbs for vibrant taste and aroma.
• Skipping the Grilled Corn: Neglecting to grill corn may miss out on a sweet smoky flavor. Always include grilled corn for added texture and sweetness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• You can freeze the chicken skewers separately from the salad components.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will last up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat skewers for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently, for about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Place skewers in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

What can I add to my BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

You can customize your salad by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or even cheese for additional flavor.

Can I make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and salad components separately. Just combine them before serving for freshness.

How do I store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure that components are kept separate if possible.

Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with protein from chicken and filled with vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option.

Can I substitute other proteins in this salad?

Yes! Feel free to replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist while keeping the same delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Try making this salad today and enjoy a healthy, satisfying dish!