BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh. The BBQ chicken skewers are perfectly seasoned and charred, giving them a delicious smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cool and refreshing salad ingredients. The creamy, herby ranch dressing ties everything together with a zesty kick. Whether you’re following a Whole30 diet or just craving a healthy, satisfying meal, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand)
• 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, pre-soaked

For the W30 Herby Ranch:

• 1 cup light tasting oil (I use avocado oil, or light olive oil)
• 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 minced garlic
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad:

• 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 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken Skewers:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and drizzle with avocado oil. Season with kosher salt.
3. Thread the chicken cubes onto the pre-soaked skewers.
4. Brush the chicken skewers with BBQ sauce on all sides.
5. Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
6. Remove the skewers from the grill and set them aside to cool slightly before serving.

For the W30 Herby Ranch:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the light tasting oil, egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic, dill, parsley, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

For the Salad:

1. If using corn, grill the ears of corn for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly charred. Once cooked, let them cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced romaine lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, and avocado.
3. Drizzle the salad with avocado oil and toss to combine.
4. Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad.
5. Serve with the herby ranch dressing on the side, or drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Veggies: Add some grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for extra flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, substitute the chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
• Spicy Ranch: Add a bit of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the ranch dressing to give it some heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad and chicken skewers separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad can last for up to 2 days, while the chicken skewers will stay fresh for about 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken skewers in a microwave or on a grill, but be sure to not overcook them. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, so store the dressing separately and add it when serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can use any BBQ sauce you prefer, but for a healthier option, try a sugar-free or whole food-based BBQ sauce like the Primal Kitchen brand mentioned.

Can I use a different oil for the ranch dressing?

Yes, you can use olive oil, but be sure to use “light” olive oil, which is not as strong as extra virgin olive oil.

Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?

Yes, as long as you omit the corn and black beans, the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is Whole30 compliant.

Can I make the ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the W30 Herby Ranch dressing up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I make the chicken skewers ahead of time?

You can grill the chicken skewers in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them before serving.

Can I make this salad without the avocado?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of avocado, you can skip it or substitute it with another creamy element, like a dollop of guacamole or a hard-boiled egg.

What can I use in place of coconut milk for the ranch dressing?

If you don’t like coconut milk, you can substitute it with full-fat dairy milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken, but grilling the skewers will add that charred BBQ flavor that makes this dish so special.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate from the salad to keep the ingredients fresh.

How can I add more protein to this salad?

You can add hard-boiled eggs, grilled shrimp, or even a handful of nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra protein.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer meals. The smoky BBQ chicken skewers paired with a refreshing salad and creamy herby ranch make for a satisfying and healthy meal. With plenty of room for variations, it’s easy to customize this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy it as a light dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next BBQ!

Print