Go Back
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

A vibrant, healthy summer salad with smoky BBQ chicken on skewers, crisp greens, corn, avocado, and a tangy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Wooden skewers
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Salad Base

  • 4 cups romaine or mixed greens chopped or torn
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or grilled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup black beans (cooked) optional
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley) chopped
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced

Dressing / Drizzle

  • 3 tbsp avocado oil (for dressing)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic (minced, for dressing)
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder (for dressing)
  • salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a bowl, whisk together avocado oil, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and BBQ sauce to make the marinade.
  • Toss chicken pieces in the marinade until evenly coated. Let marinate at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 15–20 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
  • Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  • Grill the skewers about 3–4 minutes per side, basting with extra BBQ sauce, until cooked through and nicely charred.
  • If grilling corn, grill alongside until slightly charred then slice off kernels.
  • In a large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, black beans (if using), avocado, herbs, and green onions.
  • In a separate jar or bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to form the dressing.
  • Toss most of the dressing into the salad greens.
  • Lay the grilled chicken skewers over the dressed salad, sprinkle with corn kernels, and drizzle any remaining dressing or extra BBQ sauce.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

You can grill the chicken ahead and store separately from greens and dressing. Dress just before serving to keep crispness. Try adding pineapple chunks on the skewers for a sweet twist!
Keyword BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, healthy meal prep, summer dinner