Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 57 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying meal that brings together smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavors in one bowl, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe will quickly become your go-to. With tender grilled chicken skewers layered over crisp romaine, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a creamy, homemade herby ranch dressing, this dish is a festival of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or impressing friends at your next barbecue gathering. Let me take you through this delightful recipe that celebrates summer’s bounty with every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three wooden skewers hold pieces of grilled chicken, arranged in a row on a black grill pan with raised ridges. Each skewer has about five to six large chunks of chicken, cooked to a golden-brown color with dark, charred grill marks running across the meat. The chicken looks juicy and seasoned, with the char patterns adding a textured contrast to the smooth, browned surface. The pan sits on a white marbled surface softly lit by natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe lies in its thoughtfully simple ingredients. Each one is essential — from the juicy chicken breasts that soak up the BBQ marinade to the fresh herbs that bring brightness and depth. The fresh vegetables add crunch and color, while the homemade herby ranch dressing ties everything together with creamy zest.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pounds): Pounded and marinated for juicy, flavorful skewers.
Avocado oil (3 tablespoons + for grilling): A neutral, healthy fat that helps everything cook beautifully without overpowering flavors.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon for chicken + 1 teaspoon for dressing): Enhances natural flavors and balances the tangy elements.
BBQ sauce (2 cups, divided): Adds smoky sweetness for that irresistible grilled chicken taste.
Wooden skewers (8, pre-soaked): Perfect for grilling chicken evenly and beautifully.
Egg (1 large): The base for the creamy homemade herby ranch dressing.
Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk (1/2 cup): Gives the dressing a rich, dairy-free creaminess with a subtle tropical hint.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dressing and complements the smoky chicken.
Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy kick to the dressing.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the savory notes in the dressing.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Gives the dressing a fragrant punch.
Fresh dill and parsley (1/4 cup each, finely chopped): Fresh herbs that elevate the salad to a fresh, garden-inspired experience.
Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and flavor complexity.
Fresh corn on the cob (4 ears): Grilled for a slightly smoky sweetness and crisp texture.
Romaine lettuce (8 cups thinly sliced): Crisp, refreshing base to soak up the dressing and toppings.
Green onions (6, green parts only): Provide a mild oniony bite and vibrant color.
Grape tomatoes (16 ounces, quartered): Juicy bursts of sweetness that pair perfectly with smoky chicken.
Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Adds protein, creaminess, and a pleasing earthiness.
Fresh cilantro and basil (2 tablespoons each, chopped): Bright herbaceous notes that make this salad sing.
Avocado (1, diced): Creamy, buttery chunks that enhance richness and texture.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for perfectly tender skewers. Cut them into bite-sized 2-inch pieces and mix with avocado oil, kosher salt, and half of your BBQ sauce. This marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and ensures it stays juicy during grilling. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes, or pop it in the fridge for a few hours for an even deeper flavor boost.

Step 2: Prepare the Herby Ranch Dressing

This homemade herby ranch is what really transforms the salad. In a jar, blend avocado oil and egg until thick and creamy, forming a natural mayonnaise base. Then whisk in coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, seasonings, and fresh herbs. The dill, parsley, and pepper bring a fragrant brightness that perfectly complements smoky chicken and fresh veggies.

Step 3: Grill Chicken Skewers and Corn

Thread your marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers. Brush the corn with avocado oil. On a hot, oiled grill, cook the corn until tender and slightly charred, turning often for even grilling. Then grill chicken skewers until marked and cooked through, basting with reserved BBQ sauce for maximum flavor. The grill adds beautiful smoky notes and char that elevate this salad beyond ordinary.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Combine romaine lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil in a large bowl. Toss with the herby ranch dressing until everything is lightly and evenly coated. Cut the grilled corn off the cob and add it back into the salad along with diced avocado. Give it one gentle toss to keep those creamy bites intact.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Place the chicken skewers on top of the dressed salad, and it’s ready to enjoy! This layering ensures every bite has a bit of smoky chicken along with fresh, crisp salad goodness.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley on top adds an amazing herbal punch and a pop of green color. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten the whole dish, enhancing the zestiness of the dressing and BBQ sauce.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving alongside a warm crusty bread or grilled pita to soak up any leftover dressing. For something extra fresh, a light fruit salad or grilled vegetable platter pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by serving the salad in large colorful bowls or platter style with the skewers artfully arranged on top. Another fun idea is to offer the salad components buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowls with skewers on the side. It’s a meal that’s as vibrant visually as it is in flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe, store the salad and grilled chicken skewers separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing chilled until ready to serve again; it may thicken but simply stir to restore creaminess. This separation helps maintain freshness and prevents sogginess.

Freezing

While the salad components don’t freeze well due to their fresh nature, you can freeze the grilled chicken pieces (off the skewers) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy with freshly made salad and dressing.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled chicken in the oven or on the grill for best texture and flavor. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. Once warm, add back to your freshly tossed salad for a quick and delicious meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein for the skewers?

Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips marinated in the same BBQ sauce work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times to suit your protein choice.

What can I substitute for coconut milk in the dressing?

If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, full-fat Greek yogurt or mayonnaise works well to maintain creaminess with a similar tangy texture.

How do I avoid the wooden skewers burning on the grill?

Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your chicken. This prevents them from burning during grilling.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Keep salad greens, dressing, and grilled chicken separate until serving to preserve freshness and texture.

Can I make the dressing vegan?

To make a vegan herby ranch dressing, swap the egg and coconut milk for silken tofu blended with oil and lemon for a creamy and herbaceous alternative.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients, smoky grilled goodness, and bright, herby dressing that makes every mouthful unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, it’s a dish that’s fun to make and even better to eat. Grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and dive into a salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture!