If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with bold flavors, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Juicy, smoky chicken skewers glazed with tangy BBQ sauce pair perfectly with a colorful mix of crisp greens, sweet corn, crisp cucumber, and creamy avocado. It’s a salad that feels like a celebration on your plate yet comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a healthy, satisfying meal, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe will become your new go-to favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this salad simple but delicious is the magic here. Each ingredient plays a starring role in contributing texture, flavor, or color — from the smoky chicken to the fresh veggies and the bright, tangy dressing that ties it all together.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes for perfect skewer bite-size pieces.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand for that signature smoky, tangy glaze that brings the chicken to life.
- Olive oil: Used both in the marinade and the dressing, it adds richness and smooth texture.
- Soy sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor to the chicken marinade.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory punch to season the chicken.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky notes and adds warm color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors throughout the dish.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For grilling the chicken perfectly.
- Mixed salad greens: A combo like romaine, arugula, and spinach for varied taste and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they bring juicy bursts of sweetness.
- Cucumber: Sliced thin for refreshing crunch.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and color contrast.
- Shredded carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- Corn kernels: Fresh, canned, or thawed frozen, they add a delightful sweetness and texture.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained, offering protein and earthiness.
- Avocado: Sliced on top for creamy, buttery richness.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped for a bright herbal finish.
- Apple cider vinegar: A tangy base in the dressing that wakes up all the flavors.
- Honey: Balances the acidity with a gentle, natural sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Skewers
Start by combining the BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken cubes into this marinade, making sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor. Let them soak up those delicious spices for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time—up to 2 hours in the fridge is perfect. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water first so they won’t burn on the grill. Once marinated, thread the chicken bits onto your skewers, spacing them evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Skewers
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lay down those skewers. Grill the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning now and then to get a lovely char all around while making sure they cook through. The aroma as the BBQ sauce caramelizes is absolutely mouthwatering. Once cooked to juicy perfection, remove them from the heat and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
While the chicken cooks, gather your fresh vegetables. In a large bowl, toss the mixed salad greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onions, shredded carrots, corn kernels, and black beans. This colorful ensemble creates a vibrant base that’s juicy, crunchy, and full of flavor bursts. Gently arrange creamy avocado slices atop the salad, adding a luscious layer of richness that contrasts the smoky chicken so beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified. This dressing is bright, slightly sweet, and tangy—just right to bring all the ingredients together in harmony without overpowering the star of the show, the BBQ chicken skewers.
Step 5: Serve the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Place the grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad or present them alongside so everyone can dig in. Drizzle the dressing generously or let everyone add their own. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a lovely herbal note that lifts the entire dish. The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe offers a winning combination of smoky grilled meat and fresh, crunchy veggies—it’s just irresistible.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding some extra garnishes can elevate your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe to next-level deliciousness. Try sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for crunch, a squeeze of fresh lime for zing, or a handful of crumbled feta cheese for creamy, tangy contrast. These simple touches add personality and fun surprises in every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Think warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing, a side of grilled corn on the cob tossed in herb butter, or a chilled quinoa salad with lemon and herbs to keep things fresh and balanced. The beauty of this salad is how well it plays with other summery flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered with greens, veggies, dressing at the bottom, and topped with sliced chicken skewers angled for eye appeal. Or plate it on large, chilled platters for a family-style feast where everyone can grab their favorite bits. The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe shines whether elegantly plated or served casual picnic-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken skewers separately from the salad to keep everything fresh. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The ingredients hold up well, but avocado is best added fresh before serving again to prevent browning.
Freezing
The cooked chicken skewers freeze beautifully if you want to stock up for quick meals. After grilling, let them cool, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They should keep well for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the salad ingredients separately as fresh vegetables do not freeze well.
Reheating
To reheat frozen chicken skewers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a grill pan or oven at low heat to avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain juiciness. Once reheated, add them to fresh salad and dressing for a meal that tastes just as bright and delicious as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice because they stay tender and juicy, especially when grilled. They’ll soak up that BBQ marinade beautifully and add a slightly richer flavor.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken skewers another way?
Definitely. You can cook the skewers on a grill pan on your stovetop, or even broil them in the oven. Just make sure to turn them frequently to get that nice char and cook through evenly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated and cooked ahead, and salad ingredients can be prepped in advance. Just keep the dressing and avocado separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I make the dressing vegan?
For a vegan twist, swap honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based Dijon mustard if needed. The rest of the dressing ingredients are already naturally vegan-friendly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño to the chicken marinade. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the assembled salad for a flavor and heat boost.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe truly hits the mark for satisfying a craving without weighing you down. With its lively combination of smoky chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s a recipe that feels homemade and special in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with your loved ones—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad featuring tender grilled chicken marinated in smoky BBQ sauce served over a bed of fresh mixed greens, vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a healthy, quick, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Skewers: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken cubes, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly.
- Cook the Chicken Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char on all sides. Confirm the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside. Remove from the heat and let rest briefly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrots, corn kernels, and black beans. Gently toss to mix all ingredients. Arrange the sliced avocado on top for creaminess and texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve on the side. Place the grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad or alongside the bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier results.
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the BBQ flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- This salad is great for meal prep; keep dressing separate until serving.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure soy sauce used is gluten-free.
