BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines smoky grilled chicken skewers with a fresh, herbaceous salad. Inspired by the popular California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Salad, this homemade version features tender chicken marinated in barbecue sauce, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet grilled corn, creamy avocado, and a tangy herby ranch dressing. It’s a perfect meal for warm weather dining, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of smoky BBQ chicken and creamy herby ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, this salad is both delicious and nourishing.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences, including Whole30 compliance by omitting certain ingredients.
• Perfect for Entertaining: An impressive yet simple dish that’s ideal for summer gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Skewers:

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

For the Herby Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup light-tasting oil (such as avocado or light olive oil)
• 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo)
• ½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad:

• 4 ears corn (omit for Whole30)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads)
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes (or 16 ounces)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30)
• ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
• 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced medium

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken to a uniform ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and let marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for 4–8 hours.
2. Prepare the Herby Ranch Dressing: In a wide-mouth jar, pour in the light-tasting oil and crack the egg into the oil. Using an immersion blender, blend until a thick mayo forms. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, and minced garlic. Blend again to combine. Stir in chopped dill, parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Grill the Corn and Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (350–400°F) and oil the grates. Drizzle corn with avocado oil and grill, turning every 2 minutes, until tender (about 10–12 minutes). Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked skewers and grill for 3–4 minutes per side, basting with remaining BBQ sauce, until cooked through and grill marks appear.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Add desired amount of herby ranch dressing and toss to coat. Cut grilled corn kernels off the cobs and add to the salad along with diced avocado. Gently toss to combine.
5. Serve: Plate the salad and top with grilled BBQ chicken skewers. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Whole30 Compliance: Omit corn and black beans; ensure BBQ sauce and ranch dressing ingredients are Whole30-approved.
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
• Additional Toppings: Include shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Assemble salad fresh before serving.

FAQs

What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce complements the flavors well. Choose your favorite brand or make a homemade version to suit your taste preferences.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute with store-bought ranch dressing. However, the homemade herby ranch adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that enhances the dish.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

The provided recipe is already dairy-free, using coconut milk in the dressing. Ensure your BBQ sauce and any additional toppings are also dairy-free.

Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I use instead of avocado oil?

You can substitute avocado oil with other neutral oils like light olive oil or grapeseed oil.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.

Can I grill the chicken without skewers?

Yes, you can grill chicken pieces directly on the grill grates. Ensure they are cut uniformly for even cooking.

What other vegetables can I add to the salad?

Feel free to include cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for added crunch and variety.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad when ready to eat to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful fusion of smoky grilled chicken and fresh, vibrant salad components, all brought together with a creamy herby ranch dressing. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal that can be customized to suit various dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress.

Print