BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Imagine the smoky char of BBQ chicken skewers resting atop a bed of crisp, colorful vegetables, all brought together with a tangy dressing that makes your taste buds dance. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad transforms basic ingredients into a refreshing yet satisfying meal that bridges the gap between hearty protein and fresh produce. Perfect for summer gatherings or a nutritious weeknight dinner, this versatile dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to marinate and grill chicken to juicy perfection, assemble a vibrant salad, and create a dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, making it a dish you’ll return to time and again. The contrast between warm, charred chicken and cool, crisp vegetables creates an exciting texture play in every bite. The smoky, caramelized exterior of the chicken skewers offers a delightful counterpoint to the fresh crunch of bell peppers and cucumber.

What truly sets this chicken skewer salad apart is its adaptability. The marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors that complement rather than overwhelm the fresh vegetables. Plus, most of the components can be prepared ahead of time, making this an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining. The presentation – with colorful vegetables arranged beneath golden-brown chicken skewers – makes this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

For busy weeknights, this grilled chicken salad recipe offers a complete meal in one dish, combining protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in perfect proportion.

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Salad:

• 6 cups (180g) mixed salad greens
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced

For the Dressing:

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

Pro Tips

Marinating Magic: For the most flavorful BBQ chicken skewers, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This longer marination allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in juicier, more flavorful chicken. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference compared to no marination at all.

Perfect Grilling Technique: To achieve ideal char without drying out the chicken, start with a hot grill (around 400°F/200°C) and avoid overcrowding the skewers. Space them evenly to ensure heat circulates properly. Rotate the skewers every 2-3 minutes for even cooking and those beautiful grill marks. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which typically takes 10-12 minutes total.

Assembly Strategy: Build your grilled chicken skewer salad in layers, starting with greens, then vegetables, and finally the warm chicken skewers on top. Dress the salad components lightly before adding the chicken, then drizzle a bit more dressing over the completed dish. This method ensures flavor in every layer without making the salad soggy. For the best presentation, arrange the skewers in a fan pattern across the top of the salad.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade forms the flavor foundation of your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, so make sure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing gently to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes will impart some flavor to the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking. Avoid cramming too many pieces on each skewer.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F/200°C). Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer appears pink in the center.

Step 5: Prepare the Salad Base
While the chicken is grilling, arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or individual plates. Distribute the diced bell peppers, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion evenly over the greens.

Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the prepared salad base. Top with the freshly grilled chicken skewers, arranging them in a fan pattern for presentation. Add sliced avocado, drizzle the remaining dressing over the chicken, and serve your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad immediately while the chicken is still warm.

Variations

Mediterranean BBQ Chicken Salad: Transform your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Mediterranean flavors by adding feta cheese, kalamata olives, and chickpeas to the salad base. Modify the marinade by incorporating lemon juice and oregano, and swap the dressing for a simple lemon-olive oil combination with a touch of dried herbs. This variation brings a bright, tangy element to the dish that complements the smoky chicken beautifully.

Asian-Inspired Version: Create an exciting fusion by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic instead of BBQ sauce. Add mandarin orange segments, sliced almonds, and edamame to the salad, and dress with a sesame-ginger vinaigrette. The combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors gives this grilled chicken salad an entirely new personality.

Vegetarian Alternative: For a meatless option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese cubes marinated in the same BBQ mixture. Grill the skewers as you would the chicken, watching carefully as cheese or tofu may cook more quickly. Add grilled corn kernels and black beans to the salad base for additional protein and texture, making a satisfying vegetarian meal that doesn’t compromise on the smoky flavor profile of the original BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions: The components of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad are best stored separately for maximum freshness. Grilled chicken skewers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The undressed salad ingredients should be stored separately and can last 1-2 days. Store the dressing in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, shaking well before using.

Meal Prep Strategy: For convenient meal prep, grill the chicken skewers and prepare the dressing on Sunday, then store in separate containers. Wash and chop the vegetables, storing them in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. When ready to eat, simply assemble your portions and dress just before serving.

Serving Suggestions: This versatile chicken skewer salad pairs beautifully with warm garlic bread or grilled pita for a more substantial meal. For a refreshing summer dinner, serve alongside chilled gazpacho or a light corn soup. If entertaining, present the salad family-style on a large platter with the skewers arranged on top, allowing guests to help themselves. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer complements the smoky-sweet flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Marinate the chicken, chop the vegetables, and mix the dressing ahead of time. For best results, grill the chicken just before serving or within a few hours, and assemble the salad right before eating.

What can I substitute for BBQ sauce in the marinade?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, combine 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a dash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile.

Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before threading the chicken. Alternatively, use metal skewers which don’t require soaking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad works well for meal prep. Store the grilled chicken, prepared vegetables, and dressing separately. Assemble individual portions when ready to eat, adding the dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is summer dining at its finest — vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying without weighing you down. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special while still being simple enough for regular rotation in your meal planning. The combination of smoky-sweet chicken and crisp, fresh vegetables creates a meal that’s nutritionally balanced and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual outdoor gathering or looking for a healthy dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this colorful salad delivers on all fronts.

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