Ultimate BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: A Flavor-Packed Summer Delight

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for summer grilling, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a must-try! Combining smoky grilled chicken skewers with crisp romaine, charred corn, creamy avocado, and a tangy herby ranch dressing, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, from ingredient selection to grilling techniques, plus tips for meal prep and variations. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner.

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 The Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewers for Your Salad

When it comes to a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, the star of the show is undoubtedly the grilled chicken skewers. Tender, smoky, and coated in a rich BBQ glaze, these skewers add a hearty, protein-packed element to an otherwise light and fresh salad.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The foundation of great skewers starts with high-quality chicken. For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re lean, easy to cube, and cook quickly. However, you can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.

Pro Tip:

• Pound the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness before cubing. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots.

The Best BBQ Marinade

A good marinade does two things: tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor. For this recipe, we use a simple yet powerful combo:

• Avocado oil (helps with browning and prevents sticking)

• Kosher salt (enhances natural flavors)

• BBQ sauce (choose a high-quality, smoky-sweet variety)

Marinating Time:

• 20 minutes at room temp (minimum for flavor penetration)

• 4-8 hours in the fridge (for deeper flavor)

Skewering Like a Pro

1. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

2. Thread 4-5 chicken cubes per skewer, leaving small gaps for even cooking.

3. Reserve extra BBQ sauce for basting while grilling.

Grilling for Maximum Flavor

• Preheat grill to 350-400°F (medium-high heat).

• Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

• Grill 3-4 minutes per side, basting after flipping.

• Check internal temp (165°F for safe consumption).

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Overcrowding skewers (leads to steaming, not grilling).
❌ Skipping the marinade (results in bland chicken).
❌ Overcooking (causes dryness).

By mastering these steps, your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will have perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every time!

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 Crafting the Ultimate Herby Ranch Dressing

A great salad needs a show-stopping dressing, and this Herby Ranch is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade dressing is free from preservatives and customizable to your taste.

Why Make Ranch from Scratch?

• No artificial additives (common in bottled dressings).

• Fresher, brighter flavor (thanks to real herbs and lemon).

• Dietary flexibility (adjust for Whole30, keto, or dairy-free).

Step-by-Step Dressing Breakdown

1. The Mayo Base

The foundation of this ranch is a homemade avocado oil mayo, which is surprisingly easy to make:

• 1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado or light olive oil).

• 1 egg (acts as an emulsifier).

Immersion Blender Method:

• Add oil and egg to a jar.

• Blend from the bottom until thick and creamy (~10 sec).

• Slowly lift the blender until fully emulsified.

Alternative: Use 1 cup store-bought mayo if short on time.

2. Flavor Boosters

• Coconut milk (adds creaminess without dairy).

• Lemon juice + red wine vinegar (bright acidity).

• Garlic + onion powder (savory depth).

3. The Fresh Herbs

• Dill + parsley (classic ranch flavors).

• Black pepper (adds a subtle kick).

Pro Tip:

• Chill for 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Dietary Adjustments

• Whole30/Paleo: Ensure BBQ sauce and mayo are compliant.

• Keto: Use full-fat mayo and skip corn in the salad.

• Dairy-Free: Already compliant (no buttermilk needed).

This Herby Ranch Dressing takes your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad from good to unforgettable!

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 Assembling the Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Now that you’ve mastered the chicken skewers and herby ranch dressing, it’s time to bring everything together into a vibrant, satisfying salad.

Choosing the Right Greens

• Romaine lettuce is ideal for its crunch and mild flavor.

• Kale or spinach can be used for extra nutrients.

Grilled Corn: A Sweet, Smoky Addition

• Brush corn with avocado oil before grilling.

• Char for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

• Slice kernels off the cob for easy eating.

Alternative:

• No grill? Use a stovetop grill pan or roasted corn.

Other Salad Components

1. Black beans (for protein and fiber; omit for Whole30).

2. Grape tomatoes (bursts of freshness).

3. Avocado (adds creaminess and healthy fats).

4. Fresh herbs (cilantro + basil for brightness).

Layering for Maximum Appeal

1. Start with greens as the base.

2. Add colorful veggies (tomatoes, onions, beans).

3. Top with grilled corn and avocado.

4. Drizzle with herby ranch.

5. Place BBQ chicken skewers on top.

Meal-Prep Tips

• Store components separately to prevent sogginess.

• Dress just before serving.

• Chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread for a heartier meal.

• Add crumbled feta for extra tang (if not Whole30).

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

✅ Bursting with Flavor – The smoky BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with fresh veggies and a creamy herby ranch dressing.
✅ Perfect for Grilling Season – An ideal summer dish that makes the most of outdoor cooking.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
✅ Customizable – Easily adapt for Whole30, keto, or gluten-free diets.

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Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)

• 3 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 2 cups BBQ sauce (we recommend Primal Kitchen for Whole30 compliance)

• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers (pre-soaked in water for 30 minutes)

For the Herby Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado 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 fresh dill, finely chopped

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 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 (about 2 small heads)

• 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only)

• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes

• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed (omit for Whole30)

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

• 1 avocado, diced

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet.

2. Cube into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.

3. Add avocado oil, salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce, tossing to coat.

4. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate for 4-8 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Make the Herby Ranch Dressing

1. Blend the mayo base:

   • Pour oil into a wide-mouth jar.

   • Crack an egg into the oil (it will sink).

   • Using an immersion blender, blend from the bottom until creamy (about 10 seconds).

   • Slowly lift the blender until fully emulsified.
     *(Alternatively, use 1 cup store-bought mayo.)*

2. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic, blending again.

3. Stir in fresh dill, parsley, and black pepper.

4. Refrigerate until ready to use (keeps for up to 1 week).

Step 3: Grill the Chicken & Corn

1. Preheat grill to medium-high (350-400°F) and oil the grates.

2. Skewer the chicken (about 4-5 pieces per skewer).

3. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting with extra BBQ sauce after flipping.

4. Grill the corn (brushed with oil) for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Combine lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil in a large bowl.

2. Cut corn kernels off the cob and add to the salad.

3. Toss with herby ranch dressing to taste.

4. Top with grilled chicken skewers and diced avocado.

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Print

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

🔥 For Juicy Chicken: Don’t overcook! Remove skewers at 165°F internal temp.
🌽 Charred Corn Hack: Grill corn in husks for extra smokiness.
🥑 Avocado Tip: Add just before serving to prevent browning.
🍗 Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately and assemble when ready.

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Dietary Variations

• Whole30: Omit corn & black beans; use compliant BBQ sauce.

• Keto: Skip corn & beans; add extra avocado & bacon.

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms.

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Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

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Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ultimate summer dish—packed with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and satisfying protein. Whether you’re serving it at a cookout or enjoying it as a healthy weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.