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