Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce (such as Primal Kitchen brand), divided; 8 wooden skewers (6-inch, pre-soaked); 1 cup light tasting oil (such as avocado oil or light olive oil; can substitute with store-bought mayo as noted); 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 garlic, minced; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 4 ears 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 about 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 medium

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If you’re craving a salad that’s anything but boring, say hello to this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad! Each bite brings together juicy, smoky grilled chicken, crisp romaine, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a tumble of fresh herbs—all drizzled with a tangy, herby ranch dressing you’ll want to use on everything. It’s a showstopper centerpiece for summer gatherings, weeknight dinners, or just treating yourself to a big vibrant plate of something spectacular. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, your days of sad desk salads are over.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long list for a salad that tastes this good—just the right essentials, each one pulling its weight in flavor, color, and texture. Grab these simple building blocks and get ready for a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad that’s bursting with freshness and hearty goodness in every forkful.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein—tender and perfect for soaking up BBQ marinade.
Avocado Oil: Helps with marinating the chicken, grilling the corn, and anchoring that luscious homemade ranch.
Kosher Salt: Just a teaspoon brings out the best in every ingredient, from chicken to dressing.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite (Primal Kitchen is a great pick)—it gives the chicken those iconic sweet, smoky, tangy flavors.
Wooden Skewers (6-inch): Don’t forget to soak these first to avoid burning them on the grill.
Light Tasting Oil (or Mayo): For the ranch—avocado oil or a light olive oil works, or take a shortcut with store-bought mayo for a milder flavor.
Egg: Needed for making homemade ranch mayo, but skip if you’re using store-bought.
Full Fat Coconut Milk: Makes the ranch creamy without adding dairy, and keeps things Whole30-friendly if you need.
Lemon Juice & Red Wine Vinegar: These give a citrusy tang and brightness to the dressing.
Onion Powder & Garlic: Key for big, savory flavors in the ranch dressing.
Fresh Dill & Parsley: Chopped herbs make the dressing taste so fresh and vibrant—we’re not skimping here.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds just enough zip to your creamy herby ranch.
Corn on the Cob: Grill these for sweet, charred kernels that truly make the salad pop; omit for Whole30.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, sturdy, and the perfect base for holding up all those gorgeous toppings.
Green Onions: The green parts bring a gentle onion bite without overpowering.
Grape Tomatoes: Burst of juicy sweetness—quarter them for easy eating.
Black Beans: Creamy and earthy, adding protein and heartiness; skip for Whole30.
Cilantro & Basil: Two bright leafy herbs for major summery flavor.
Avocado: Creamy, rich, and absolutely non-negotiable in this salad!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by creating flavor right from the get-go. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a sturdy skillet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness—this ensures even cooking and extra juiciness. Cube them into chunky 2-inch pieces, then toss in a big bowl with avocado oil, salt, and a generous pour of BBQ sauce. Mix it up until every piece is coated, then let them marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes or in the fridge for up to 8 hours so the flavors really settle in.

Step 2: Prepare the Herby Ranch Dressing

Ready to wow yourself? We’re whipping up a homemade Herby Ranch that’s creamy, zippy, and loaded with fresh herbs. Add oil and a raw egg to a wide-mouth jar, then use an immersion blender right over the yolk—hold it still until you see thick, dreamy mayo forming at the bottom, then gently move it up and down to finish. Add coconut milk, lemon, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and minced garlic; blend again. Stir in heaps of dill, parsley, and fresh black pepper, then refrigerate. No immersion blender? Store-bought mayo works great—just add the flavorings and herbs. This ranch will keep for a week in your fridge, turning even the dullest day into salad bliss.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers and Corn

Drizzle your corn cobs with more avocado oil and toss to coat. Prepare the grill for medium-high heat (about 350–400 degrees F) and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. Place the corn directly on the grill, turning every couple of minutes until it’s golden and tender (about 10–12 minutes). At the same time, thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, then grill for 3–4 minutes per side. Don’t forget to brush that succulent reserved BBQ sauce over the chicken after flipping for maximum flavor. Grill until those gorgeous marks appear and the chicken’s cooked through—juicy perfection.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

As the chicken rests and the corn cools, gather your salad fixings in a big bowl: crisp romaine, sliced green onions, juicy tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Toss them with as much herby ranch as your heart desires until every green is gleaming. Next, slice the kernels off the grilled corn and tumble them into the bowl along with avocado cubes. Give everything a gentle toss to bring this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad to life—a riot of color, flavor, and texture.

Step 5: Serve Everything Together

Arrange the tossed salad on a platter or in individual bowls, then top with those irresistible BBQ chicken skewers. Drizzle with more herby ranch if you like, maybe add a sprinkle of extra herbs, and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Get ready for “wow” moments at the table!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle extra fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or basil right over the top. A scattering of sliced green onions or freshly cracked pepper adds eye appeal and a burst of freshness. If you want even more zing, serve extra herby ranch dressing alongside—everyone will want more for dipping their skewers!

Side Dishes

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad already feels like a meal, but pairing it with a simple side lifts it even more. Think fluffy grilled pita, crispy roasted potatoes, or a watermelon salad for a cool, juicy contrast. If you’re gathering friends, add a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade to set the scene for long, relaxed meals in the sun.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into an event by serving the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad family-style on a big platter, letting everyone grab their skewer and spoonful of goodness. Or try threading cherry tomatoes and charred corn on extra skewers for a fun, edible garnish. Hosting a party? Serve salad in individual jars with a chicken skewer perched on top for easy mingling and maximum applause.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad (lucky you!), keep the components separate if possible. Store the chicken skewers, herby ranch, and undressed salad in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If already tossed, the salad will still be tasty the next day, just a bit softer from the dressing.

Freezing

While the salad itself isn’t freezer-friendly (lettuce and tomatoes don’t thaw well), the grilled chicken skewers freeze beautifully. Wrap cooled chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, defrost in the fridge overnight and use in a fresh salad or wrap.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken skewers, gently warm them in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, or pop them in a 325-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can dry them out—just a little patience brings them back to juicy, flavorful life. Let them cool before adding back to your salad.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and work perfectly for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. You may need to adjust grilling time slightly since thighs can be a bit thicker, but they’ll take on all the BBQ flavor beautifully.

What’s the best way to soak wooden skewers?

Soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to keep them from burning—just tuck them in a baking dish filled with water while you prep the other ingredients. You can even do this in advance and freeze soaked skewers for later if you’re a meal prepper!

Can I make the herby ranch in advance?

Yes, the homemade herby ranch keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. It actually gets tastier as it sits, so making it a day ahead pays off. Just give it a good stir before dressing your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

You bet! The ranch in this recipe uses coconut milk for creaminess, making it both dairy-free and Whole30-compliant. Be sure to choose a light-tasting oil or a mayo that’s dairy-free if this is important for you or your guests.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Of course! If you’re short on outdoor space or just want to keep things indoors, cook the chicken skewers and corn on a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven—they’ll still get beautifully charred and pack that signature BBQ flavor. Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad will be just as irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s big on flavor and fun to share, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the answer. It’s hearty enough for a main course, colorful enough for company, and easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try, and let this become your new favorite way to celebrate BBQ season—salad style!