BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

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Introduction

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the smoky taste of grilled chicken skewers with a fresh, crisp salad. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal, this salad brings together tender, marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, and served over a bed of fresh greens, juicy vegetables, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing. It’s ideal for summertime meals, meal prep, or simply adding a twist to your typical salad routine.

This recipe is a go-to when I want something quick, nutritious, and full of bold flavors. The smoky, charred chicken pairs beautifully with the cool, refreshing salad, while the BBQ ranch dressing ties everything together with its tangy, creamy kick. The balance of textures and flavors in this dish makes it as fun to eat as it is delicious. Plus, the skewers add a touch of flair that’s perfect for entertaining or a casual weeknight dinner.

What I love most about this salad is its versatility—you can easily customize the ingredients to include your favorite veggies or even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. It’s a dish that never gets boring and always satisfies, whether served as a main course or a hearty side. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your meal rotation!

Perfect for:

  • A quick and healthy lunch or dinner
  • Summer barbecues or outdoor grilling
  • Meal prepping flavorful salads
  • BBQ lovers who want a lighter option
  • A colorful, crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will become a regular on your menu:

  • Juicy Grilled Chicken: The chicken skewers are marinated in a smoky BBQ sauce and grilled to tender perfection.
  • Refreshing Greens: Fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and more provide a crisp and refreshing base.
  • Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite vegetables, toppings, and dressings to suit your taste.
  • Healthy & Filling: This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients for a balanced meal.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, Vitamins A & C, Fiber

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup corn (optional, grilled or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup croutons (optional)

For the BBQ Ranch Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce to flavor the chicken and the dressing.
  • Mixed Greens: A mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula provides variety in flavor and texture.
  • Fresh Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots add crunch and color to the salad.
  • BBQ Ranch Dressing: Combines the smoky, tangy flavor of BBQ sauce with creamy ranch for a perfect salad topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

Prepare the Chicken Skewers:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 10-15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
  2. Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.

Grill the Skewers:

  1. Preheat Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Brush with extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for added flavor.

Prepare the Salad:

  1. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, and corn (if using).
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, lime juice, honey, and smoked paprika until smooth.

Serve:

  1. Top the Salad: Place the grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad. Drizzle with BBQ ranch dressing and sprinkle with shredded cheese and croutons (if using).
  2. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, or allow it to cool slightly for a more refreshing salad.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

  • Main Dish: Serve as a complete meal with all the toppings and dressing.
  • Side Dish: Pair it with a hearty soup, crusty bread, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • Meal Prep: Divide the salad into individual containers and pack the dressing separately for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad even better:

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor
    Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours or overnight to infuse it with rich BBQ flavor. Use a mixture of olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, honey, and your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Pre-Soak Wooden Skewers
    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
  • Use Mixed Greens for Variety
    Combine arugula, baby spinach, and romaine lettuce for a mix of textures and flavors in the salad base.
  • Add a Crunchy Element
    Sprinkle toasted nuts (like almonds or pecans) or roasted chickpeas for an added crunch and extra protein.
  • Grill Vegetables Alongside Chicken
    Thread cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or bell peppers onto separate skewers and grill them for colorful and flavorful toppings.
  • Make It Dairy-Free
    Skip cheese and use avocado or a dairy-free ranch dressing for creaminess without compromising on flavor.
  • Experiment with Dressings
    Pair your salad with a smoky chipotle ranch, creamy cilantro lime, or a tangy balsamic vinaigrette to complement the BBQ flavors.
  • Serve Warm or Cold
    The grilled chicken skewers can be served fresh off the grill for a warm salad or chilled for a refreshing cold version.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs
    Sprinkle fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions over the salad for an extra pop of color and flavor.
  • Add Grains for More Heft
    For a more filling dish, toss in cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous to create a balanced meal.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

  • Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add hot sauce or chili powder to the BBQ sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or halloumi skewers.
  • Tropical Salad: Add pineapple chunks to the skewers and salad for a sweet, tropical flavor.
  • Low-Carb: Skip the croutons and corn for a keto-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: The grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that will help you make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

  • Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking the chicken skewers.
  • Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers for threading the chicken.
  • Whisk: For mixing the BBQ ranch dressing.
  • Salad Bowl: A large bowl for tossing and serving the salad.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use bottled dressing?
    Absolutely! Use store-bought BBQ ranch or ranch dressing if you’re short on time.
  2. What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
    Choose a BBQ sauce you love! Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well in this dish.
  3. Can I cook the chicken without skewers?
    Yes, simply grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken pieces without skewering them.
  4. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
    Yes, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free ranch dressing to make this recipe dairy-free.
  5. What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
    Reheat the chicken skewers in a hot skillet or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Featuring smoky, tender chicken skewers, crisp veggies, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing, this salad delivers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings the taste of summer to your table all year round. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make—ideal for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining guests.

I’d love to see how your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad turns out! Snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me so I can admire your creation. Don’t forget to share any fun additions or your favorite veggie combinations in the comments. Enjoy every bite of this fresh and smoky dish!

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