BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for summer gatherings or healthy weeknight dinners. This salad not only offers a delicious way to enjoy your favorite BBQ flavors but also provides a hearty mix of protein and nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply looking for a nutritious meal, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad fits the bill!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies, this salad is a filling option for any meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or as a side at your next gathering; it suits all occasions.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies or proteins based on your preferences or what’s in season.

Tools and Preparation

To make the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help you prepare and serve this delightful dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Perfect for threading chicken and veggies together, adding both flavor and presentation.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Provides that smoky char flavor that makes BBQ dishes irresistible.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided, such as Primal Kitchen)
• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers (pre-soaked)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad Base

• 4 ears corn (grilled)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (from about 2 small heads)
• 6 green onions (thinly sliced; green parts only)
• 16 ounces (about 2 cups) quartered grape tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup loosely packed, freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil
• 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced into medium cubes)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with avocado oil and kosher salt. Toss to coat well.
3. Thread the chicken onto pre-soaked skewers.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and brush with half of the BBQ sauce.
3. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly charred.
4. During the last minute of grilling, brush with additional BBQ sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together avocado oil, egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, minced garlic, dill fronds, parsley, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large serving bowl, combine grilled corn kernels cut off from cobs with romaine lettuce.
2. Add green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro leaves, basil, and diced avocado.
3. Remove skewers from chicken; add grilled chicken to salad mix.

Step 5: Serve

Drizzle dressing over salad before serving; toss gently to combine all ingredients. Enjoy your refreshing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Serving BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for gatherings or a family dinner. This salad is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments.

On a Platter

• Arrange the salad on a large platter for a stunning presentation. This allows guests to help themselves and enjoy all the vibrant colors.

In Individual Bowls

• Serve the salad in individual bowls for a more personal touch. This option is great for portion control and makes it easy to customize toppings.

With Extra BBQ Sauce

• Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top before serving. This extra layer of flavor enhances the taste and gives a delightful barbecue kick.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. This adds freshness and brightens the overall look of the salad.

Accompanied by Grilled Vegetables

• Add grilled vegetables as a side dish. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the BBQ chicken flavors beautifully.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Creating the perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad involves attention to detail and flavor balancing. Here are some tips to enhance this delightful dish:

• Marinate the Chicken: Let the chicken marinate in BBQ sauce for at least an hour before grilling. This infuses more flavor into the meat.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for optimal taste. Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor profile of your salad significantly.

• Grill to Perfection: Ensure your grill is hot before adding chicken skewers. Proper grilling ensures juicy chicken with those delicious char marks.

• Balance Textures: Include crunchy elements like corn and crispy lettuce alongside softer ingredients like avocado. A mix of textures makes each bite enjoyable.

• Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right after preparing it to maintain freshness and crispness. This ensures every ingredient shines in flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad enhances your meal’s variety and satisfaction. Here are some great options:

1. Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter complements the smoky flavors of the salad.

2. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome companion.

3. Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread offers a satisfying contrast and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that balances out the rich flavors of the BBQ chicken.

5. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness and brightness, making it an ideal summer side.

6. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes are hearty yet do not overshadow the star of your meal, allowing for a balanced plate.

7. Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad tossed with light dressing can be a filling option without being too heavy.

8. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or beans add flair and nutrition to your meal spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to let it soak in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
• Using dry skewers: Failing to soak wooden skewers can cause them to burn during cooking. Always pre-soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcrowding skewers: Packing too much chicken on each skewer can prevent even cooking. Space out the pieces slightly for better heat circulation.
• Neglecting toppings: Forgetting fresh herbs and veggies can make the salad less vibrant and flavorful. Don’t skip on garnishes like cilantro and basil!
• Ignoring cooking times: Overcooking or undercooking chicken can ruin your salad. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• You can freeze the chicken skewers separately before grilling.
• Store in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat skewers on a baking tray for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that might help you:

What is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant dish featuring grilled chicken skewers served over fresh greens with colorful toppings and a tangy dressing.

Can I customize my BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables, proteins, or dressings based on your preferences.

How do I make BBQ Chicken Skewers more flavorful?

For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in your favorite BBQ sauce along with spices like garlic powder or paprika.

What types of vegetables go well with this salad?

Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cucumbers complement the flavors of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is not only delicious but also versatile! This recipe allows you to mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, this salad brings joy and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it to make it your own!