The Best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the bold flavors of BBQ with the freshness of a salad. The grilled chicken skewers are perfectly tender and full of smoky BBQ flavor, while the salad offers a refreshing contrast with its crisp veggies and bright herbs. The creamy herby ranch dressing is a game-changer, providing a tangy and herbaceous finish to every bite. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s full of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen brand recommended)
• 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers, pre-soaked

For the Whole30 Herby Ranch:

• 1 cup light tasting oil (avocado oil or light olive oil)
• 1 egg (omit if using store-bought 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 minced garlic
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad:

• 4 ears of corn (omit for Whole30)
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads)
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only)
• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes (or 16 ounces)
• 1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30)
• ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
• 1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, and diced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken Skewers:

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Season with kosher salt and toss to coat.
2. Skewer the chicken: Thread the chicken cubes onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring they are packed tightly together.
3. Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the skewers with the remaining tablespoon of avocado oil and grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and allow it to caramelize on the grill.
4. Remove and set aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and set aside.

For the Herby Ranch Dressing:

1. Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the light tasting oil, egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth: Process until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little more coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.

For the Salad:

1. Prepare the corn: If using corn, grill the ears of corn with the husks removed until lightly charred (about 8-10 minutes). Once grilled, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob. If omitting corn for Whole30, skip this step.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, and diced avocado.
3. Drizzle with ranch: Add 3-4 tablespoons of the herby ranch dressing to the salad and toss gently to coat.

To Serve:

1. Serve the salad: Plate the salad and top each serving with 2-3 BBQ chicken skewers. Drizzle with additional herby ranch dressing if desired.
2. Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with extra fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes (for chicken and corn)
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion for extra flavor and texture.
• Substitute Protein: You can replace the chicken with shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Make it dairy-free: If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk for the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken, salad, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salad ingredients will stay fresh for a day or two, but avoid storing the dressing with the salad to prevent wilting.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken skewers on the grill or in a microwave until warmed through. If you prefer to eat the salad cold, simply serve the chicken and dressing over a fresh bed of greens.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes! Store-bought BBQ sauce works just fine in this recipe. For a Whole30-compliant version, look for a sugar-free, natural BBQ sauce like Primal Kitchen.

2. How do I make the ranch dressing without an egg?

You can substitute the egg with store-bought mayo if you prefer a quicker option. Look for a Whole30-compliant mayonnaise for the best results.

3. Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You can prep the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the chicken or salad.

5. Can I make this salad without grilling the chicken?

If you prefer, you can pan-sear the chicken or cook it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

6. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes! If you’re not on Whole30, crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese would make a delicious addition.

7. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw and sauté it in a pan with a little avocado oil to get some color before adding it to the salad.

8. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken, salad, and dressing separately to keep everything fresh.

9. Can I make this salad without the ranch dressing?

Yes! If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use olive oil and lemon juice or a simple vinaigrette instead of the ranch.

10. Can I use different herbs in the ranch dressing?

Yes! You can switch up the herbs to suit your preferences. Try adding tarragon, chives, or basil for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate summer meal: vibrant, healthy, and packed with flavor. The smoky grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy herby ranch dressing come together in perfect harmony, making each bite both satisfying and refreshing. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and a great way to enjoy a wholesome, hearty salad. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or simply looking for a fresh weeknight dinner, this salad is a guaranteed hit!

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