BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a salad that goes far beyond “just another bowl of greens,” this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is about to become your dinner hero. Succulent grilled chicken skewers, sweet charred corn, creamy avocado, and crunchy romaine all tossed in an herby homemade ranch—each bite is a celebration of bold barbecue flavors and fresh summer produce. The best part? This vibrant meal comes together quickly, and it’s ridiculously easy to adapt, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights when you still crave something truly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need and why it counts for serious flavor and convenience—leave the measuring to the recipe card and focus on assembling these game-changing components:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The centerpiece—chunked for even marinating and perfect on skewers for maximum smokiness.
• Avocado Oil: Neutral flavor, high-heat—ideal for grilling and making creamy ranch without overpowering the other flavors.
• Kosher Salt: Brings out the best in your protein and veggies.
• BBQ Sauce: Go with your favorite! A tangy, smoky sauce makes all the difference (Primal Kitchen is a fantastic clean option).
• Wooden Skewers: Make sure they’re pre-soaked to avoid burning (trust me, you don’t want that drama).
• Light-Tasting Oil or Store-Bought Mayo: Base for your herby ranch—use what you have, just skip the strong extra virgin olive oil flavors.
• Egg: Only needed if making homemade ranch—see substitutions below if using store-bought.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess to the dressing without any dairy heaviness.
• Lemon Juice & Red Wine Vinegar: For that classic tang in a ranch, and a bright lift for the greens.
• Onion Powder & Minced Garlic: Essential flavor boosters in the ranch.
• Fresh Dill, Parsley & Black Pepper: This trio transforms the ranch into something truly special.
• Romaine Lettuce: Super crisp and refreshing—perfect base for hearty toppings.
• Green Onions, Grape Tomatoes, and Black Beans: Bring volume, color, and a textural crunch.
• Fresh Cilantro & Basil: Undeniably fresh, aromatic, and herbaceous.
• Avocado: Creamy pops to balance the zippy herby dressing.
• Corn on the Cob (or Frozen Corn): Grilled for those caramel notes—optional for grain-free or Whole30.

Note: For Whole30 or other dietary needs, see below for easy swaps!

Variations

This salad is your blank canvas—here are ways to make it yours:

• Spicy BBQ Salad: Toss some smoked paprika or chili flakes into the marinade for a kick, or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Swap the Protein: Try grilled shrimp, steak skewers, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian spin.
• Dairy-Free Ranch: Stick to coconut milk and skip any cheese—this dressing is naturally dairy-free already!
• No Grill?: Use a grill pan or even bake the chicken skewers and corn in the oven.
• Mix Up the Beans: Pinto beans work beautifully if you’re out of black beans, or skip entirely for grain-free diets.
• Add Cheese: A sprinkle of cotija or feta brings a savory touch if you don’t need it dairy-free.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Even, juicy pieces are the secret—pound chicken to uniform thickness, cube, and toss with oil, salt, and a generous amount of BBQ sauce. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (room temp is fine if you’re short on time), or longer in the fridge for extra flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up Herby Ranch

For the freshest ranch, make it from scratch! Pour your oil into a jar, add the egg, and emulsion magic happens with an immersion blender. Then, blend in coconut milk, lemon, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic. Fold in plenty of dill, parsley, and black pepper. Or, shortcut it with your favorite store-bought mayo as the base.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Get your grill preheated and rub those corn cobs with avocado oil. Grill them, rotating for even char and sweetness. At the same time, grill those BBQ chicken skewers, turning after a few minutes and basting with more sauce for that sticky-sweet finish. Both the chicken and corn should be beautifully charred—no one likes bland grill marks!

Step 4: Toss the Salad

In a big bowl, combine romaine, sliced green onions, juicy grape tomatoes, black beans, chopped cilantro, and basil. Drizzle in as much herby ranch as you like and toss so every bite is coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Slice the grilled corn off the cob and add to your salad, along with diced, buttery avocado. Toss again. Layer with those tender BBQ chicken skewers and don’t forget an extra drizzle of the ranch. Each mouthful should be bursting with smoky, creamy, sweet, and herby flavors—simply unbeatable.

How to Serve

This salad is substantial enough to be the main event, but here are some fantastic pairings and serving ideas:

• On Its Own: This is a meal-sized salad—just layer the skewers right on top.
• With Crusty Bread or Tortilla Chips: Scoop up stray beans, tomatoes, and dressing.
• Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For extra heartiness, serve the chopped salad and grilled chicken atop your favorite rice.
• Family Style: Build a big platter and let everyone grab their own skewers and salad.

Garnish with extra herbs, an extra drizzle of ranch, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep grilled chicken, salad greens, and ranch in separate containers in the fridge—this way, nothing gets soggy! The chicken and ranch both keep well for up to 4 days.

Freezing

The chicken can be grilled and frozen for later (just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving). Avoid freezing the salad greens or the ranch dressing for best results.

Reheating

Reheat chicken skewers in a lightly oiled pan or in the microwave until just warmed through—don’t overcook or you’ll lose juiciness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad takes everything that’s great about summer grilling and turns it into a totally doable, endlessly customizable weeknight dinner. The flavors are bright, bold, and deeply satisfying—with almost no fuss. If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with something both healthy and drool-worthy, make this your next go-to. Enjoy every fresh, smoky, herby bite!

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