Zesty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Summers buzz with excitement when a mouthwatering BBQ chicken skewer salad lands on your plate.

Grilling becomes an art form that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant meal.

Crisp vegetables and smoky chicken create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Marinated pieces of tender chicken elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Colorful ingredients dance together, promising a refreshing and satisfying culinary experience.

Quick to prepare and packed with nutrition, this recipe will become your go-to summer favorite.

Trust me, you’ll want to fire up the grill and make this salad right now.

What Makes BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Great

• Dive into a mouthwatering BBQ chicken skewer salad that transforms ordinary ingredients into an explosive taste experience with perfectly charred, smoky chicken and fresh crisp vegetables.
• Prepare this delightful dish in minimal steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings without compromising on incredible flavor and nutrition.
• Easily swap ingredients to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, creating a versatile recipe that adapts to your personal taste and dietary needs while maintaining its delicious core.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad delivers a complete meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Ingredient Lineup

• Chicken Cubes: Tender meat for a hearty protein base.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and enhance moisture.
• Soy Sauce: Provides savory depth.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.

• Mixed Salad Greens: Fresh foundation for the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetable mix for texture and freshness.

• Shredded Carrots, Corn, Black Beans: Colorful and nutritious additions.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy and rich topping.

• Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar: Base for tangy dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb for final flavor boost.

• Wooden Skewers: Grilling tool for chicken preparation.

Preparing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Create a flavor-packed marinade by combining BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, and spices in a bowl.

• BBQ sauce
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring every piece gets coated with the delicious mixture.

Let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

If using wooden skewers, give them a water bath for 20 minutes to prevent them from turning into charcoal on the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces carefully onto the skewers, creating beautiful kabob-style presentations.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature.

Cook the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking and perfect charred edges.

The chicken should be fully cooked with a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Step 4: Create the Salad Base

• Mixed salad greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Shredded carrots
• Corn
• Black beans

Artfully arrange creamy avocado slices on top of the colorful veggie blend.

Step 5: Whip Up the Dressing

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend until the ingredients create a smooth, tangy sauce.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Place the sizzling grilled chicken skewers directly on top of the salad or serve them alongside.

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness.

Drizzle the homemade dressing over the entire dish and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both nutritious and incredibly delicious!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Prep Advice

• Let the chicken soak in the BBQ marinade for at least 30 minutes to infuse deep, rich flavors into every bite.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and ruining your delicious chicken.
• Cook chicken skewers over medium-high heat, turning occasionally to ensure even charring and thorough cooking without drying out the meat.
• Adjust the honey and vinegar levels in the dressing to balance sweetness and tanginess according to your personal preference.
• Add extra protein like quinoa or chickpeas to the salad for a more filling and nutritionally balanced meal.

Best Way to Store BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Store leftover BBQ chicken skewers and salad separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken in the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Keep dressing separate from vegetables to maintain crispness. Add fresh ingredients when ready to serve to prevent wilting and soggy texture.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Serving Matches

• Flavor Fusion: Complement the smoky BBQ chicken skewers with crisp, refreshing beverages that balance the dish's intensity.
• Wine Pairing: Select a chilled, light-bodied rosé or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the richness of the grilled chicken and match the salad's fresh ingredients.
• Beverage Boost: Try a cold, citrusy wheat beer or a zesty lemonade with a hint of mint to enhance the salad's vibrant flavors and provide a cooling contrast to the spicy BBQ marinade.
• Herbal Harmony: Create a quick mojito-inspired mocktail with lime, mint, and sparkling water to echo the cilantro garnish and brighten the overall meal experience.

Salad Style Ideas with BBQ Chicken Skewers

• Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: Replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free BBQ sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh cubes, using same spice blend for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Style: Swap beans and corn with grilled zucchini and roasted bell peppers, reduce honey in dressing for fewer carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños to salad, use chipotle BBQ sauce for chicken, incorporate pepper jack cheese and swap cilantro for spicy green onions.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look white throughout with no pink areas and have a nice golden-brown char on the outside.

• Can I use a different type of meat for the skewers?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a similar grilled skewer experience. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

• Is this salad gluten-free?

The recipe is mostly gluten-free, but check your BBQ sauce and soy sauce labels to ensure they are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions that work perfectly in this recipe.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including quinoa, chickpeas, or additional beans to the salad base. You can also increase the amount of chicken or add a sprinkle of nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean grilled bbq chicken skewer salad delivers a symphony of zesty flavors dancing across fresh greens and juicy marinated chicken. Crisp vegetables and tangy herb dressing complete this light, satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Salad Base and Toppings:

• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber
• 0.5 red onion
• 0.5 cup shredded carrots
• 0.5 cup corn kernels
• 0.5 cup black beans
• 1 avocado
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro

Dressing:

• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Skewers:

• Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing container.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to intensify flavors.
3. Submerge wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
4. Pierce marinated chicken pieces onto prepared skewers, creating uniform segments.
5. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (approximately 400°F).
6. Grill chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve even caramelization and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove skewers from heat and allow brief resting period.
8. Compose salad base by layering mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, corn, and black beans in a spacious serving bowl.
9. Artfully arrange avocado slices atop prepared vegetable mixture.
10. Whisk dressing ingredients – olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper – until smoothly integrated.
11. Position grilled chicken skewers strategically on salad or alongside.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for vibrant flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing the spices to penetrate fully.
• Soak wooden skewers thoroughly to prevent charring and potential burning during grilling.
• Customize salad ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preference, swapping out vegetables for variety.
• Adjust dressing sweetness by reducing honey or using alternative sweeteners like agave for low-sugar diets.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg