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Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, and you’re firing up the grill for something fresh and flavorful. That’s when I discovered the magic of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad—it’s the perfect blend of smoky, tangy chicken skewers tossed with crisp greens and veggies that just screams backyard bliss. I’ve made this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad countless times for family gatherings, and it never fails to impress with its juicy chicken and vibrant salad base.
What I love most about this recipe is how it combines the fun of grilling skewers with the lightness of a salad, making it ideal for those days when you crave something hearty yet healthy. In my experience, the homemade BBQ sauce drizzle ties everything together beautifully, adding that irresistible sweet-spicy kick. If you’re looking to elevate your meal prep game, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is about to become your new go-to—let’s dive into how to make it!
And hey, if you’re into more salad inspirations, check out our Arabic Chopped Salad for a Middle Eastern twist or the Greek Orzo Pasta Salad for pasta lovers.
Key Takeaways:
- BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a quick, grill-ready meal that’s perfect for summer barbecues and weeknight dinners.
- Prep time is under 30 minutes, with total cook time around 20 minutes for effortless entertaining.
- The smoky BBQ flavors paired with fresh veggies create a burst of taste that’s both satisfying and light.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, and always use wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; it’s great cold as a salad or gently reheated.
Why You’ll Adore This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Healthy and Satisfying: This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad packs lean protein from the grilled chicken and loads of veggies, keeping you full without the heaviness of traditional BBQ fare. It’s a great way to sneak in more greens, and I’ve found it helps balance out indulgent sides. You’ll feel good about serving it to the whole family.
Quick to Prepare: Who has time for complicated meals? With simple steps and minimal cleanup, you can whip up this dish in no time—ideal for busy evenings. Here’s the thing: the skewers cook fast on the grill, so you’re eating sooner than you think.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a potluck star, the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad adapts beautifully. The customizable toppings let you tailor it to tastes, from spicy to mild. In my experience, it always gets rave reviews at parties.
Bursting with Flavor: The tangy BBQ glaze on the chicken skewers mingled with fresh salad elements creates layers of taste that keep you coming back for more. Let’s be honest, it’s that perfect sweet-savory combo that makes meals memorable. You won’t believe how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Essential Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering. They grill up tender and juicy, absorbing the BBQ flavors beautifully. In a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, this protein base ensures every forkful is satisfying without overwhelming the fresh veggies.
Bell Peppers and Onions: Colorful bell peppers and red onions add crunch and sweetness when grilled on the skewers. Their caramelization during cooking brings out natural sugars that complement the smoky BBQ sauce. I always choose a mix of colors for that vibrant pop in the final salad.
Mixed Greens and Cherry Tomatoes: A bed of crisp mixed greens like romaine and spinach provides the fresh foundation, while halved cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts of acidity. These elements balance the richness of the grilled chicken in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, making it light and refreshing. Don’t skimp on quality produce—it’s what elevates the whole dish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prepare the Chicken and Veggies
Start by cubing the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and chopping the bell peppers and onions into similar-sized chunks for even cooking. Toss everything in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder to build flavor from the ground up. In my BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, this step ensures the skewers come out uniformly grilled and packed with taste—I’ve learned the hard way that uneven cuts lead to dry spots. Thread the chicken and veggies alternately onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for that perfect char.
Grill the Skewers to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill, turning every 3-4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the veggies soften with nice grill marks. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered around—it’s that sizzle that signals summer. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last couple of minutes for a glossy, sticky finish that amps up the flavor profile.
Assemble the Vibrant Salad
While the skewers rest, toss the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and any other add-ins in a large bowl with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. Slide the grilled chicken and veggies off the skewers directly onto the salad for easy serving. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad shines when the warm elements slightly wilt the greens, creating a harmonious mix of textures. For a link to more salad ideas, try our Cucumber Carrot Salad as a refreshing side.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped into chunks
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, for brushing
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
- For vinaigrette: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, salt, and pepper
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Instructions
- Cube the chicken and chop veggies; marinate with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for 15 minutes.
- Thread onto soaked skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes.
- Prepare the salad base by tossing greens, tomatoes, and cucumber with vinaigrette.
- Remove chicken and veggies from skewers and add to the salad; toss gently and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Soak Your Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning on the grill—it’s a simple step that saves hassle.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer for precision; juicy chicken makes all the difference in this dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness that brightens the entire BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 4 and is naturally gluten-free if using a gluten-free BBQ sauce.
- Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate indoors, but a grill pan works in a pinch.
- Nutritional perks include high protein (about 30g per serving) and plenty of vitamins from the veggies.
- Adjust spice levels by choosing a mild or hot BBQ sauce based on your preference.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
To keep your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—the chicken stays moist if not reheated too long. For best texture, keep the salad and skewers separate until serving to avoid sogginess. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, but it’s delicious cold too, making it perfect for lunch leftovers.
Customizing Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian twist, or add corn and avocado for extra creaminess in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. If you’re watching carbs, skip the onions and load up on zucchini instead. For more variation ideas, check out our Healthy Mango Salad to incorporate tropical fruits. These tweaks keep it exciting every time you make it.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Pair this dish with grilled corn on the cob or garlic bread for a complete meal that feels festive. A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the BBQ richness, or try iced tea for a non-alcoholic option. For sides, consider quinoa or fresh fruit salad—our Very Best Fruit Salad complements it perfectly. It’s versatile enough for picnics or dinners alike.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
A vibrant salad featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers, fresh vegetables, and a creamy herb dressing.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 02 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 04 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided, such as Primal Kitchen)
- 05 8 wooden skewers (6-inch, pre-soaked)
- 06 1 cup avocado oil
- 07 1 large egg
- 08 1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
- 09 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 10 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 11 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 13 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 14 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
- 15 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 16 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 17 4 ears corn
- 18 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 19 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (from about 2 small heads)
- 20 6 green onions (thinly sliced (green parts only))
- 21 16 ounces quartered grape tomatoes (about 2 cups)
- 22 1 can black beans (15-ounce, drained and rinsed)
- 23 1/4 cup loosely packed, freshly chopped cilantro leaves
- 24 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
- 25 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced into medium cubes)
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the skewers and salad components up to a day in advance, but grill just before serving for the best texture. Marinating overnight enhances flavors without much effort. It’s a time-saver for parties.
How long does BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it lasts 3-4 days, though the greens may wilt slightly after day two. Always check for freshness before eating. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the veggies.
Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad gluten-free?
It can be, if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure no cross-contamination. Most store-bought options are labeled clearly. This makes it accessible for dietary needs.
Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
Absolutely, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway—this works great indoors. Brush with BBQ sauce at the end for that caramelized effect in your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. It’s nearly as flavorful as grilling.
What if I don’t have skewers?
No problem—just grill the chicken and veggies separately on a sheet pan or foil packet. Toss everything together at the end. The salad assembly remains the same.
How spicy is the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
It depends on your BBQ sauce; start mild and add heat with cayenne if desired. The salad’s freshness balances any spice in this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Customize to your taste buds.
Can vegetarians enjoy this recipe?
Yes, substitute chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a grillable alternative. Keep the veggie skewers and salad base intact. For more veggie ideas, see our Korean Cucumber Salad.
What’s the calorie count for one serving?
Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portions—high in protein and low in carbs. It’s a balanced choice for meal planning. Track with your favorite app for precision.
Final Thoughts
From the first sizzle on the grill to that last delicious bite, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad has everything you need for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I’ve shared it with friends and family, and it’s always a hit—trust me, it’ll become a staple in your rotation too. Grab your apron, fire up the grill, and give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!