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; 1 cup BBQ sauce (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 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 (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; 1 cup BBQ sauce (reserved from marinating)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a dish bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and that unbeatable smoky goodness, then this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is just what you need. Combining tender, juicy grilled chicken skewers slathered in rich BBQ sauce with a crisp bed of romaine, sweet grilled corn, creamy avocado, and a zesty herby ranch dressing, this salad offers the perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s a lively, wholesome meal that feels like summer on a plate any time of year, and it’s super satisfying whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a backyard gathering with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with roughly cut pieces of pale pink raw chicken covered in a thick, shiny reddish-orange sauce, with a white spatula featuring a light wooden handle resting inside the bowl, smeared with the same sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is a star, keeping the salad fresh and exciting while coming together effortlessly. From the juicy chicken breasts that soak up the BBQ sauce to the bright herbs and creamy avocado that add layers of texture and flavor, each component plays a crucial role in making this dish so memorable.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded thin and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even grilling.

3 tablespoons avocado oil: Adds a mild, buttery flavor for marinating the chicken and grilling the corn.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
2 cups BBQ sauce (divided): Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for that classic smoky sweetness.

8 (6-inch) wooden skewers (pre-soaked): Keeps the chicken tender and makes grilling easy.
1 large egg: Essential for the creamy herby ranch dressing.
1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk: Adds a subtle richness to the dressing.

2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance flavors.
1 tablespoon red vinegar: Offers a gentle tang in the dressing.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory depth to the ranch dressing.

2 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a punch of aromatic flavor.
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley: Brightens and freshens the dressing.

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth.
4 ears corn: Grilled for a sweet, smoky crunch.
8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
6 green onions (green parts only, thinly sliced): Provides mild onion flavor and a pop of green.

16 ounces quartered grape tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness throughout.
1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed): Adds protein and a creamy texture.
1/4 cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves: Adds a citrusy herbal note.

2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil: Lends a sweet, aromatic touch.
1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced): Brings creamy luxury to every bite.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy. Cutting them into 2-inch pieces makes them perfect for threading onto skewers. Toss the chicken chunks with avocado oil, kosher salt, and half of your BBQ sauce—this marinade locks in flavor and tenderizes the meat. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 8 hours if you want to prep ahead of time.

Step 2: Prepare the Herby Ranch Dressing

This homemade herby ranch dressing is a showstopper that perfectly complements the smoky chicken and fresh veggies. In a wide-mouth jar, blend avocado oil and egg to create a creamy mayonnaise base. Then, add coconut milk, lemon juice, red vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic, fresh dill, parsley, and black pepper. Blend everything until smooth, and refrigerate until it’s time to dress your salad.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden skewers, packing 4 to 5 pieces each. Brush the corn with avocado oil and get your grill heated to medium-high. Oil the grill grates carefully to prevent sticking. Grill the corn first until tender and lightly charred, turning often for about 10 to 12 minutes. Then grill the chicken skewers for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved BBQ sauce halfway through to build up those delicious glaze layers. Once they develop perfect grill marks and are cooked through, transfer everything to a platter to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the crisp romaine lettuce, sliced green onions, juicy grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Drizzle with your herby ranch dressing and toss until every leaf is coated in creamy goodness. Next, cut the kernels off the grilled corn and add to the salad along with diced avocado, gently tossing to combine. Finally, top everything with the succulent BBQ chicken skewers for a beautiful and satisfying presentation.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Two white plates on a white marbled surface each hold two wooden skewers with shiny, grilled orange-brown glazed chicken pieces, placed on the left side of the plate. On the right side, there is a colorful salad made of bright green lettuce, yellow grilled corn pieces, red tomato slices, black beans, and light green avocado chunks, all mixed together and sprinkled with black pepper and fresh green cilantro leaves on top. A metal fork rests on the right edge of the front plate, partially in the salad. Nearby, there is a small white pitcher with a green herb dressing and scattered fresh cilantro leaves around. A white cloth with thin black stripes is partly visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For the finishing touches, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or basil to amplify that garden-fresh aroma. A few extra cracks of black pepper or a light drizzle of BBQ sauce over the top can add a gourmet visual and flavor boost. If you love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a wedge of lime to squeeze will brighten everything up nicely.

Side Dishes

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with warm crusty bread, cornbread, or even some crispy baked sweet potato fries takes the meal to another level. You could also add a chilled glass of your favorite white wine or a sparkling lemonade to perfectly round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this salad into a fun party appetizer by serving the chicken skewers standing upright in a vase or tall glass surrounded by salad in a large serving platter. Alternatively, present individual mason jar salads layering the veggies, dressing, and chicken skewers on top for a grab-and-go picnic vibe. No matter how you serve it, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers from your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe? Store the salad and skewers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The skewers will stay juicy, and the salad remains crunchy when dressed right before serving again. The herby ranch dressing keeps the salad fresh and vibrant when tossed just prior to eating.

Freezing

While the chicken skewers can be frozen, it’s best not to freeze the assembled salad as the fresh veggies and dressing will lose their texture and flavor. Freeze leftover cooked chicken skewers without the salad in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat your grilled chicken skewers, use a medium-low grill or oven setting to warm through without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the tender texture. Reheat the corn briefly the same way or enjoy it cold within the salad for a contrasting taste experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is versatile — you can swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even steak strips, adjusting the marinade and cooking times accordingly to keep that smoky BBQ charm.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken and corn some other way?

No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan or broil the chicken and corn in your oven. Just watch carefully to get those lovely charred spots and cook through without drying out.

Is the herby ranch dressing dairy-free?

Yes! This dressing uses coconut milk instead of traditional dairy, making it creamy and lush while staying dairy-free and perfect for those avoiding milk products.

How long can I marinate the chicken before grilling?

The chicken can marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes or in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Longer than that, and the texture may start to break down, so it’s best to cook within that window for ideal juiciness.

Can I prepare this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales well and is great for gatherings. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and consider grilling chicken and corn in batches to keep everything fresh and perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for its bold flavors, crisp textures, and wholesome satisfaction. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling or serving a crowd, it’s a dish that invites smiles and leftover requests. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect harmony of smoky chicken, fresh garden veggies, and that unforgettable herby ranch dressing!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need