Name: Zesty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: The Ultimate Summer Bowl of Joy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken Skewers:; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce (e.g., Primal Kitchen brand); 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers, pre-soaked; For the Whole30 Herby Ranch:; 1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado or “light” olive oil; or sub 1 cup store-bought mayo); 1 egg (omit if using mayo); ½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; For the Salad:; 4 ears corn (omit for Whole30); 2 tbsp avocado oil; 8 cups romaine lettuce, thinly sliced (or 2 small heads); 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only); 2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered (or 16 ounces); 1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30); ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 avocado, diced

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You know those meals that feel like summer sunshine on a plate? This is one of them. Imagine juicy, smoky BBQ chicken straight off the grill, skewered for fun and flavor, nestled on a bed of crisp greens, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy veggies—all tied together with a tangy homemade dressing. It’s light, it’s bold, it’s ridiculously satisfying. And the best part? It’s as easy as tossing, grilling, and assembling.

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a total game-changer—whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend hangout, throwing together a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving something fresh that still hits with big flavor. It’s got that sweet-smoky-charred thing going on, balanced with cool, crisp, vibrant veggies. Trust me, this one’s going into regular rotation.

Oh—and no need to fuss with tons of dishes. We’re keeping it breezy, flavorful, and fun. You’ve got this.

Why You’ll Love Zesty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for backyard cookouts, weekday lunches, or even a make-ahead meal prep situation. It works beautifully hot off the grill or chilled the next day.

Budget-Friendly: Uses fresh, simple ingredients that won’t break the bank. Most of the items are probably already chilling in your fridge or pantry.

Quick and Easy: The skewers cook up in minutes, and the salad comes together even faster. It’s great for when you want real food, fast.

Customizable: Want to spice it up? Add jalapeños or a spicy BBQ sauce. Going plant-based? Sub in tofu or grilled veggies. There are no rules—just flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: There’s something for everyone here—savory chicken, colorful veggies, bold dressing. Even picky eaters won’t say no to these skewers.

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Ingredients in Zesty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s built on fresh, vibrant staples, with a little BBQ magic to bring it all together. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts

Tender and juicy, these are the protein-packed stars of the show. They soak up all that BBQ marinade and grill up with the most irresistible char.

BBQ Sauce

Go with your favorite—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. This coats the chicken and caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.

Cherry Tomatoes

Bursting with sweetness and color, these little gems add a juicy pop that balances the smokiness of the chicken.

Cucumber

Crisp and cooling, it brings refreshing crunch to every bite and keeps the salad light and hydrating.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced for a little zing and contrast. It adds sharpness and color to round out the flavor.

Mixed Greens

A bed of fresh greens like arugula, romaine, or spinach is the perfect canvas. Pick your favorites, or mix a few!

Corn Kernels

Grilled or fresh, corn adds a subtle sweetness and a little texture that complements the whole dish.

Olive Oil

Used in the dressing for a smooth, velvety finish that brings everything together.

Lemon Juice

Bright and citrusy, it cuts through the richness and lifts all the other flavors.

Dijon Mustard

Just a hint adds that little extra something to the dressing—tangy, sharp, and deeply satisfying.

Fresh Herbs (optional)

Chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil on top? Yes please. Adds freshness and a pop of green.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Fire up the grill or preheat a grill pan on medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get that beautiful char on your chicken skewers.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss your chicken pieces with BBQ sauce until well coated. Let them marinate while you prep the salad—about 10–15 minutes is perfect for a quick flavor boost.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15–20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers and set them aside.

Assemble the Dish

While the chicken’s marinating, toss your salad ingredients—cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and greens—together in a large serving bowl.

Cook to Perfection

Grill the chicken skewers for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has that lovely sticky-charred look. Turn occasionally and baste with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Finishing Touches

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing. Drizzle it over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Serve and Enjoy

Lay the warm chicken skewers right on top of the salad. Garnish with fresh herbs, maybe an extra squeeze of lemon, and dig in while it’s still warm and juicy. It’s heaven in a bowl.

How to Serve Zesty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This dish is the definition of easy elegance. Here are a few ways to serve it up:

In a Bowl: Toss everything together and serve in deep salad bowls. Great for casual meals or meal prep.

On a Platter: Arrange the salad on a big platter with skewers laid across the top for a show-stopping centerpiece.

With a Side of Bread: Warm pita, naan, or crusty sourdough make amazing accompaniments for scooping up salad and sauce.

Wrap It Up: Slice the chicken off the skewers and roll it into wraps or pitas for a handheld version of this summery salad.

Add Cheese: A few crumbles of feta or shaved Parmesan take it to another level.

Presentation tip: Layer the greens first, then sprinkle in the veggies, and top with those gorgeous skewers. A drizzle of dressing and a sprinkle of herbs make it totally Instagram-worthy.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken and chop your veggies the night before. Assembly becomes a breeze.

Spice It Up: Add chili flakes to the dressing or use a spicy BBQ sauce if you like some heat.

Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based chicken or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version. The flavor still shines!

Storage Tips: Store leftover salad (without the skewers) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if making ahead.

Double the Batch: Perfect for a party—just double the skewers and keep the salad in a big bowl on the side.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
A1: Absolutely! Use your favorite kind—sweet, spicy, or smoky. Homemade’s great, but no shame in keeping it simple.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prep the salad components ahead of time. Just grill and assemble when ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Best eaten within 2 days.

Q4: Can I freeze the chicken skewers?
A4: Yes—freeze after grilling in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
A5: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but may soften the texture.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just add more skewers and salad ingredients. Great for feeding a crowd or making extra for lunch the next day.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Always check the label.

Q8: What other protein can I use?
A8: Try grilled shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q9: How can I make it healthier?
A9: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and load up on extra greens and fresh veggies.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for grilling indoors?
A10: A cast iron grill pan works wonders for getting those beautiful grill marks without stepping outside.

Conclusion

So there you have it—Zesty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: The Ultimate Summer Bowl of Joy. It’s fresh, it’s flavorful, and it’s totally doable, even on a weeknight. The combo of charred BBQ chicken and crisp salad is just chef’s kiss. Whether you’re meal prepping or grilling for friends, this one delivers.