The combination of smoky grilled chicken and crisp, vibrant salad greens brings a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to your plate. Topped with creamy avocado, tangy feta, and a honey-Dijon dressing, this salad turns a simple barbecue into something refreshingly gourmet.
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the ideal summer lunch or light dinner. It’s nutritious, colorful, and quick to make, perfect for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends. The skewers also make it easy to portion or prep ahead for gatherings and picnics. Whether served warm off the grill or chilled from the fridge, this dish hits all the right notes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Skewers:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
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1/3 cup BBQ sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Salad:
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4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 avocado, diced
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup roasted corn (optional)
For the Dressing:
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon honey
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers.
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Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
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While chicken cooks, assemble salad by layering greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, feta, and corn (if using).
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
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Drizzle dressing over the salad.
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Top salad with grilled chicken skewers and serve warm or chilled.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Guide: A Flavor-Packed Summer Staple
Grilling season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a vibrant, flavor-packed salad that checks all the boxes, high in protein, loaded with fresh produce, and bursting with smoky-sweet BBQ flavor. This Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad isn’t just a sidekick; it’s a star main course that delivers satisfaction without the heaviness of a traditional barbecue plate.
Combining juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with crisp greens, creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta, this salad is everything you want on a sunny afternoon or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s not only stunning to look at but also endlessly customizable. Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together, meal prepping for the week, or looking to clean up your meals without sacrificing flavor, this dish delivers.
Let’s explore what makes this salad so special, and why you’ll keep coming back to it again and again.
The Allure of BBQ Chicken Skewers
BBQ chicken has always been a summer favorite, but skewering it takes things to the next level. Chicken skewers are easy to portion, cook faster than whole cuts of meat, and are perfect for marinades. The smaller, bite-sized pieces soak up every bit of smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, delivering big flavor in each mouthful.
The grilling process enhances the flavor dramatically. When placed on a hot grill or grill pan, the sugars in the BBQ sauce caramelize beautifully, forming a sticky, smoky crust on the outside while keeping the chicken moist and juicy inside. The slight char from the grill adds texture and depth, making these skewers hard to resist.
Even better? Skewers cook evenly, and when you soak your wooden sticks beforehand, there’s no worry about burning or breaking. Plus, they look elegant on top of a vibrant bed of greens, turning a simple dish into a gourmet-style presentation.
The Fresh Power of Seasonal Greens and Produce
While the grilled chicken skewers are undoubtedly the main attraction, the salad base plays a critical supporting role. A mix of romaine, arugula, and baby spinach provides crunch, peppery zest, and essential nutrients. These leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that support overall health.
Cherry tomatoes bring natural sweetness and a pop of color. Avocados add creamy texture and heart-healthy fats, helping to balance the acidity of the dressing and the smokiness of the chicken. Red onions provide sharpness, while feta cheese introduces a salty tang that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
Adding roasted corn is entirely optional but highly recommended. It adds another layer of sweetness and a touch of smokiness that complements the BBQ notes perfectly. Together, these ingredients form a rainbow of flavors and textures, transforming a simple salad into a full, satisfying meal.
The Dressing: A Bright, Balanced Finish
The honey-Dijon vinaigrette is a critical element in tying this dish together. It’s light yet flavorful, with the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and sharp mustard flavor. Olive oil gives it richness and helps it cling to the greens, while apple cider vinegar and Dijon add punch and depth.
This dressing is simple to make, easy to scale, and free from preservatives and artificial flavors you’d find in store-bought versions. It’s also versatile enough to pair with other salads, roasted veggies, or even grilled meats beyond chicken, think pork, tofu, or shrimp.
A pro tip: make a double batch and store it in a mason jar in your fridge. It’ll keep for up to a week and makes quick salads so much more exciting.
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best parts of this recipe is how meal-prep friendly it is. Here’s how to break it down:
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Marinate the chicken: The longer the better, overnight in the fridge yields the most flavor. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will still work beautifully.
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Grill in advance: You can cook the skewers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well or can be served cold for lunch.
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Chop salad ingredients: Prep your greens, tomatoes, onion, and feta ahead of time. Keep everything stored separately to avoid sogginess.
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Make dressing: As mentioned, this dressing keeps well and saves time during the week.
To serve, just toss the salad base with your dressing, top with the skewers, and enjoy. Done in minutes.
Substitutions & Dietary Modifications
This salad is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce. It’s also low-carb and high-protein, making it great for keto-friendly or balanced eating.
Want to make it dairy-free? Skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Vegetarian? Sub grilled tofu or marinated portobello mushrooms for the chicken.
Paleo? Use a clean BBQ sauce with no added sugars and ensure your mustard and vinegar are paleo-approved.
And don’t forget, you can add grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro if you need more carbs or are serving this as a post-workout meal.
Pairing Suggestions
This salad pairs well with refreshing summer drinks, think lemonade, unsweetened iced tea, or a light rosé wine. If you want to serve it with a side, opt for:
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Grilled flatbread or pita
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Roasted sweet potatoes
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Chilled cucumber-yogurt soup
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A summery fruit salad with melon and mint
For dessert, keep things simple and seasonal. A few fresh berries with whipped cream or a frozen yogurt pop would be the perfect light finish.
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
This salad is more than just a meal, it’s a ritual. It’s the go-to recipe when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the answer when you crave something hearty but don’t want to feel sluggish afterward. It’s what you make on a Tuesday night when your energy is low, but your taste buds want something bold and satisfying.
The layers of flavor, from the smoky grilled chicken to the creamy avocado and bright vinaigrette, keep every bite interesting. The textures are balanced, and the presentation is downright beautiful.
It’s also highly adaptable. Change the dressing. Add nuts or seeds for crunch. Swap in seasonal veggies. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all dish, it’s a canvas for creativity and comfort.
Conclusion
In a world full of complicated recipes and kitchen chaos, the Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad offers simplicity without sacrifice. It’s nourishing, eye-catching, and most importantly, delicious. With bold BBQ flavor, colorful veggies, and a homemade vinaigrette that brings everything together, it’s a meal you’ll look forward to every time.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a home cook with high standards, or someone just starting their culinary journey, this salad fits the bill. Light enough for summer, filling enough for dinner, and flexible enough for any lifestyle, it’s the perfect blend of flavor and function.
Give it a try. Let the grill marks sizzle, the greens crisp, and your fork dive into what might just become your new favorite dish.