Amazing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: 7 Ultimate Summer Recipe Tips

<img src=”bbq-chicken-skewer-salad.jpg” alt=”BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing” width=”800″ height=”600″>

Are you looking for a refreshing yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer dining? This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines juicy, smoky grilled chicken with crisp, fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply want a nutritious weeknight dinner, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the perfect solution – easy to prepare, visually stunning, and packed with flavor.

This recipe transforms ordinary salad into an extraordinary meal by adding protein-rich chicken skewers with that irresistible barbecue flavor everyone loves. The combination of warm, charred chicken against cool, crunchy vegetables creates a delightful contrast that makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a standout dish for any occasion.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Step by Step
• Pro Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Best Ways to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Storage & Leftovers
• FAQs for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
• Related Recipes

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Balanced nutrition – protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in one dish
• Customizable – easily adapt for different dietary preferences
• Meal prep friendly – components can be prepared ahead of time
• Restaurant-quality at a fraction of the cost
• Perfect for outdoor entertaining – impressive presentation with minimal effort
• Kid-friendly – the BBQ chicken skewers appeal to even picky eaters
• Gluten-free option available with the right BBQ sauce
• Low-carb yet completely satisfying

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Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Salad Base:

• 8 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spring mix, or butter lettuce)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (substitute with dairy-free alternative for dairy-free option)

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (substitute with maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup BBQ sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) or set your oven to broil.
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece for even cooking.
3. Set prepared skewers aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, combine all dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until well combined or seal and shake if using a jar.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers

1. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill or under the broiler.
2. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. During the last minute of cooking, brush the remaining BBQ sauce on the skewers for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large serving bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base.
2. Layer on the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, red onion, and avocado.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetables.
4. Drizzle with half of the prepared dressing.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Serve

1. Place the grilled BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad or arrange them around the edge of the bowl.
2. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.
3. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Chicken tenderness secret: For the juiciest chicken, don’t overcook it. Remove from heat once it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
• Make ahead strategy: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
• For extra smokiness: Add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke to your BBQ sauce marinade.
• Grilling alternative: No grill? No problem! These skewers work beautifully under the broiler or in a grill pan.
• Even cooking technique: Cut all chicken pieces to the same size for consistent cooking.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
• Spice level customization: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or spicy BBQ sauce.
• Time-saving hack: Use pre-cut chicken tenders to minimize prep time.
• Dressing consistency: For a creamier dressing, add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.

Best Ways to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad shines as a complete meal on its own, but there are several fantastic ways to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with warm garlic bread or our homemade cornbread for a more substantial meal.
• For a fun presentation, serve individual portions in wide, shallow bowls with the skewers arranged on top.
• Create a build-your-own salad bar with the components separated, perfect for family-style dining.
• Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or unsweetened iced tea with lemon for a refreshing beverage option.
• For a summer picnic, serve the salad components in mason jars with the dressing on the bottom and greens on top.

The best way to serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is fresh, with the chicken still warm from the grill, creating a delightful temperature contrast with the cool, crisp vegetables.

Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

(Per serving, recipe serves 4)

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fat: 24g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and avocado)
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 670mg

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is high in protein, making it perfect for post-workout meals. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C from the colorful vegetables, and provides healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store the salad components separately from the dressing and chicken for best results. The prepared (undressed) salad will keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Chicken storage: Cooked BBQ chicken skewers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Remove the meat from the skewers for easier storage.
• Freezing option: The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Meal prep suggestion: Prepare all components separately and assemble fresh salads throughout the week.
• Best reheating method: Warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until just heated through.
• Dressing storage: Homemade dressing will keep for up to 1 week in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.

FAQs for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare all the vegetables the day before. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving. This makes the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

What can I use instead of BBQ sauce in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can create a simple alternative by mixing 3 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce or honey-mustard dressing can provide different but equally delicious flavor profiles.

Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad gluten-free?

This salad can easily be gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce. Always check labels as some commercial BBQ sauces may contain hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the BBQ chicken skewers?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make excellent skewers and often result in juicier meat. They may require slightly longer cooking time (about 2-3 minutes more), so ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature before serving.

Related Recipes

If you love this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, try our other delicious salad recipes:

• Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Salad
• Southwest Cobb Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing
• Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
• Honey Mustard Chicken Avocado Salad
• Greek Chicken Souvlaki Salad Bowl

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now you know how to make the best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad at home! This versatile recipe combines the smoky, sweet flavors of barbecue with the fresh crunch of a healthy salad, creating a balanced meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The contrast of warm, charred chicken against cool, crisp vegetables makes this dish irresistible.

Have you tried making this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad? We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations! Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your social media posts. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next summer gathering or weeknight dinner – your family and friends will thank you!

Recipe inspired by The Defined Dish’s BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

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