Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad isn’t your average bowl of greens—it’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The BBQ chicken skewers add a smoky, savory element that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables. It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy grilled chicken, easy to prepare, and totally customizable. Plus, it’s great for outdoor gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- BBQ sauce of choice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Mixed greens (like romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Avocado, diced
- Corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar (optional)
- Ranch or creamy dressing of choice (optional, for serving)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and coat with BBQ sauce.
- Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- While the chicken cooks, assemble the salad by combining greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, corn, and cheese in a large bowl.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then remove it from the skewers.
- Place the chicken on top of the salad and drizzle with your favorite dressing if desired.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Use a spicy or honey BBQ sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, steak, or tofu for variety.
- Add black beans or quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
- Use a vinaigrette instead of creamy dressing for a lighter option.
- Try grilling the corn or adding grilled bell peppers for more smoky flavor.
- Make it dairy-free by omitting cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Store the chicken separately from the salad to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Store salad ingredients without dressing to avoid sogginess, and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just toss it with BBQ sauce and warm it up before adding to the salad.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce—smoky, sweet, or spicy varieties all work well.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely—bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.
How do I keep the skewers from burning?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, especially if you omit corn and use a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
What greens work best for this salad?
Romaine, spinach, arugula, or a spring mix all make great bases.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep everything in advance but keep the chicken and dressing separate until serving.
What dressing goes well with BBQ chicken salad?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing pairs nicely with BBQ flavors.
Can I use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken?
Yes, marinate in BBQ sauce and grill or pan-sear until crispy.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fresh and flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. With smoky grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and your favorite dressing, it’s a go-to recipe for warm weather or any time you crave a healthy, protein-packed salad. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or need a quick weekday dinner, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and simplicity.
PrintBBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines juicy, grilled BBQ chicken with a crisp, colorful mix of fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of smoky and fresh flavors, ideal for summer meals, meal prep, or a light and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar (optional)
- Ranch or creamy dressing of choice (optional, for serving)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Brush chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and coat with BBQ sauce.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- While the chicken cooks, assemble the salad: combine greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, corn, and cheese in a large bowl.
- Once chicken is done, let rest for a couple of minutes, then remove from skewers.
- Top the salad with grilled chicken and drizzle with dressing if desired.
- Serve immediately while chicken is warm.
Notes
- Use honey or spicy BBQ sauce for flavor variation.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, steak, tofu, or tempeh.
- Grill the corn or add grilled bell peppers for extra smokiness.
- Omit cheese or use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Keep dressing and chicken separate if making ahead for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
