BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Healthy & Delicious

Looking for a light yet hearty dish that’s perfect for grilling season? The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is an ideal choice for those seeking a meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. This recipe combines juicy grilled chicken skewers, fresh vegetables, and a homemade Whole30 herby ranch dressing that brings everything together. It’s not only simple to make but also a great option for meal prepping or serving at your next summer gathering.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is an easy-to-make, vibrant dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. The flavors are bold, thanks to the smoky BBQ chicken and zesty ranch dressing, while the crunchy vegetables offer a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re following a Whole30 diet or just want a healthy, delicious meal, this salad has you covered. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a light lunch, dinner, or a party dish.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein for the skewers.
• Avocado oil: Adds a subtle flavor while helping to grill the chicken to perfection.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• BBQ sauce: A key ingredient for a sweet and smoky flavor (Primal Kitchen BBQ sauce is a great choice for a healthier option).
• Wooden skewers: Used to grill the chicken pieces, ensuring they cook evenly.

For the Whole30 Herby Ranch Dressing:

• Light tasting oil (such as avocado or olive oil): Forms the base of the dressing.
• Egg: Helps emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy texture.
• Coconut milk: Adds richness while keeping the dressing dairy-free.
• Lemon juice & red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance the flavors.
• Kosher salt, onion powder, garlic: Season the dressing with savory depth.
• Fresh dill and parsley: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
• Black pepper: For a touch of heat.

For the Salad:

• Corn: Adds a sweet, smoky flavor when grilled (omit for Whole30 if preferred).
• Romaine lettuce: The perfect base for the salad with its crunchy texture.
• Green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (omit for Whole30): Offer a variety of fresh textures and flavors.
• Cilantro and basil: Fresh herbs that complement the BBQ flavors.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and a burst of flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer cut of meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in place of breasts.
• Greek Yogurt: If you don’t need to stick to Whole30, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for coconut milk in the ranch dressing for a creamier texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and cutting them into 2-inch cubes. Marinate the chicken in avocado oil, kosher salt, and BBQ sauce for at least 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours) in the refrigerator.
2. Make the Herby Ranch: In a wide-mouthed jar, combine light oil and an egg. Use an immersion blender to emulsify the mixture until it forms a thick mayo. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic, and blend again. Stir in fresh dill, parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Grill the Chicken and Corn: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Coat the corn with avocado oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently. While the corn grills, skewer the marinated chicken and grill it for about 6-8 minutes, basting with additional BBQ sauce until cooked through.
4. Prepare the Salad: While the chicken and corn are grilling, assemble the salad in a large bowl. Combine sliced romaine lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, and basil. Toss with your desired amount of herby ranch dressing.
5. Finish the Salad: Once the corn is grilled, remove the kernels from the cob and add them to the salad along with diced avocado. Toss everything together and serve with the BBQ chicken skewers.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Grill the chicken over medium heat to avoid burning the BBQ sauce while ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly.
• Customize the dressing: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought ranch dressing. However, making the homemade Whole30 ranch will elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep the salad and chicken separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing can last up to a week, making it great for meal prepping.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or a side of quinoa for a complete meal. If you’re looking for a variation, you can add some crumbled feta for a tangy twist or swap the BBQ sauce for a spicy chipotle sauce if you prefer some heat.

For a gluten-free version, simply omit the black beans and swap the corn for grilled zucchini or bell peppers. The Whole30-friendly version eliminates beans and corn, but the flavor remains equally vibrant and satisfying.

Seasonal, Health Benefits, and More

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is perfect for summer barbecues or as a light, filling lunch on a warm day. Packed with lean protein from chicken, fresh vegetables, and a healthy homemade ranch, it’s a great choice for those looking to enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal. Whether you’re on a Whole30 plan or simply want to eat cleaner, this dish provides a fantastic mix of nutrients, healthy fats, and flavor.

Enjoy this simple yet satisfying BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad today, and make it your go-to recipe for any occasion!

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the perfect balance of savory grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade herby ranch dressing. Whether you’re cooking for a summer barbecue or preparing a wholesome dinner for your family, this dish delivers on both flavor and nutrition. It’s quick to prepare, highly customizable, and can easily be adjusted to fit different dietary needs. With the smoky BBQ chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to try it out, and make it your new go-to recipe for a light, healthy, and delicious meal.

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Easy Honey BBQ Crockpot Meatballs: These tender meatballs are drenched in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, making them a perfect match for the BBQ flavors in the Chicken Skewer Salad. Ideal for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that pairs well with salads or side dishes like roasted vegetables.
• Easy Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos: For a similar savory and smoky vibe, try these slow cooker queso chicken tacos. They feature tender chicken cooked in a creamy queso sauce, offering the same rich, comforting flavors as BBQ chicken, but with a cheesy twist that’s sure to be a hit.
• Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal that still complements the freshness of the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup provides a rich and satisfying option. It’s creamy, flavorful, and filled with chicken—perfect for a cozy meal after grilling season.

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