Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant, hearty meal that blends smoky grilled chicken with crisp greens, juicy veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer meals, backyard cookouts, or light yet satisfying dinners, this easy salad is as flavorful as it is colorful.
Ingredients
For the chicken skewers:
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, sweet, or honey-style)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- For the salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, spinach, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or crumbled feta (optional)
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Toss chicken chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce.
- Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning and brushing with more BBQ sauce until cooked and caramelized.
- While chicken cooks, prepare the salad ingredients and add to a large bowl.
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- Once chicken is done, remove from skewers or serve skewers whole atop salad.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use shrimp, steak, or tofu as protein alternatives.
- Add tortilla strips, roasted chickpeas, or black beans for extra texture and protein.
- Swap vinaigrette with creamy ranch or chipotle dressing for variation.
- Add cooked quinoa to make it more filling.
- Store salad, chicken, and dressing separately if prepping ahead.
