If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with smoky, tangy flavor and loaded with vibrant colors, the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is your new go-to. This salad is a celebration of summer grilling and fresh produce, combining juicy BBQ-glazed chicken skewers with crisp greens, creamy avocado, and a bold hit of cheddar. It’s hearty enough for a main course, yet light and refreshing—the perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing backyard lunch. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding crunch, richness, or a pop of color. Gather these essentials to create a salad that’s as delicious as it is stunning on the plate.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken cubes soak up the BBQ marinade and grill up juicy and tender.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for bold, smoky flavor—plus extra for basting while grilling.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and adds a hint of richness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with mellow, savory depth.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that echoes the grill.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the chicken and salad.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers make grilling a breeze—just remember to soak wooden ones first!
- Mixed greens: A blend of lettuces provides a crisp, fresh base for the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness in every forkful.
- Cucumber: Sliced for crunch and coolness.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, savory bite and gorgeous color.
- Avocado: Creamy slices bring richness and a buttery texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, salty, and sharp—cheese ties all the flavors together.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Choose your favorite for a creamy finish that complements the BBQ flavors.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of herbs adds freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken cubes in a large bowl with BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a thorough mix so every piece is coated in flavor. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this gives the spices and sauce time to sink in and tenderize the meat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water at the same time to keep them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: Prep the Grill and Skewers
While your chicken is marinating, get your grill or grill pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto your soaked skewers, packing them just snug enough so they cook evenly but still get those beautiful charred edges. Have extra BBQ sauce handy for basting—this is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Place the skewers on the grill and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes. Each rotation, brush on more BBQ sauce for maximum flavor and caramelization. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and has those irresistible grill marks. Transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes while you assemble the salad.
Step 4: Build the Salad Base
While the chicken finishes up, layer your mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, avocado slices, and shredded cheddar cheese in a big salad bowl or on individual plates. This is your canvas—feel free to play with the arrangement for a colorful presentation!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Top the fresh salad base with your hot-off-the-grill BBQ chicken skewers. Give everything a generous drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the greens are crisp.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Take your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe to the next level with a shower of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of toasted seeds can add extra zip and crunch, making the salad even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your salad with a slice of warm cornbread, grilled corn on the cob, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. These simple sides add even more heartiness and are perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing or BBQ sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer the chicken and arrange them over individual mason jar salads for a fun, portable option at picnics or parties. Or, serve the salad family-style on a large platter with the skewers fanned out on top—guests can grab a skewer and build their own bowl just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe components separately if possible. Keep the chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the salad greens in a separate bowl to maintain freshness and crispness.
Freezing
While the salad itself doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked BBQ chicken skewers. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken skewers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also rewarm them on a grill pan for a few minutes to revive that delicious charred flavor, then serve over freshly assembled salad greens.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the same marinade and grilling instructions.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for this recipe?
Your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce will work perfectly. Go for something with a balance of sweetness and tang—smoky flavors are especially nice for this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep all the components ahead of time: marinate and grill the chicken, chop the veggies, and store everything separately. When ready to serve, quickly assemble for a fresh, crisp salad.
Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for grilled tofu or shrimp if you’d like a pescatarian twist. The marinade and grilling instructions remain the same for tofu, just adjust grill time as needed.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss the avocado slices in a little lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad. This not only adds a tangy flavor but also keeps the avocado looking fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with fresh flavors, you simply have to try the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy grilled chicken in a whole new way. Gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your taste buds and your dinner guests alike—this is one recipe you’ll be making on repeat all season long!
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and healthy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad featuring tender grilled chicken marinated in smoky BBQ sauce, served on a bed of fresh mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese, finished with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying summer meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, ensuring they are packed but not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with additional BBQ sauce, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly charred on the edges.
- Assemble the Salad: While the chicken is grilling, arrange the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, avocado slices, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl or divide among individual plates.
- Combine and Serve: Once the chicken skewers are done, place them on top of the salad. Drizzle with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh, savory meal.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add grilled corn, black beans, or croutons to the salad.
- For variation, swap the BBQ chicken with grilled tofu or shrimp to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
