This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It features juicy grilled chicken pieces on skewers, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing that pulls it all together.
Eating off skewers just makes everything better, right? I love to stack my salad high with all the colorful veggies. It’s like a party on a plate! 🎉
It’s super easy to prepare. You can grill the chicken ahead and toss everything together for a quick meal. Perfect for busy days when you still want something yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are lean and perfect for skewers. If you’re looking for a different option, try using boneless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce! If you’re avoiding sugar, low-sugar versions are available, or you can make a homemade sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a healthier take.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds crunch, but you can easily swap it out for baby spinach or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn is fantastic grilled! If it’s not in season, frozen corn works just as well and is super convenient. You can also use canned corn; just rinse it well before adding.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture. For dairy-free options, consider using cashew yogurt or a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil and vinegar.
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers Perfectly?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky if you haven’t done it before. Here’s how to achieve tender, juicy chicken every time:
- Make sure your grill is preheated. This helps sear the chicken, locking in moisture.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. Avoid flipping too often; let it get that nice char!
- Brush on extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes. This keeps the flavor strong without burning the sauce.
Lastly, always let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This helps it stay juicy when you cut into it!
Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ear of corn, husked and cut into small rounds (or 1 cup corn kernels)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time, bringing your total to around 30 minutes. It’s quick to grill the chicken skewers and throw together the salad, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. So, you can enjoy this delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Skewers:
Start by threading the chicken cubes evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers. Be sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brush them generously with your chosen BBQ sauce, ensuring they are coated well.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. During the final minutes of cooking, brush on a little more BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor.
3. Grilling the Corn:
While the chicken cooks, brush the corn rounds with a bit of oil. Grill the corn for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and a soft texture. After grilling, you can cut the corn into smaller bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should be creamy with a hint of tang from the lime!
5. Preparing the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, rinsed black beans, and grilled corn pieces. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is well-coated.
6. Assembling the Salad:
Divide the salad among individual plates. Place two BBQ chicken skewers on each plate, either over the salad or beside it.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
To finish, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top of the salad and chicken skewers for a burst of flavor and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your colorful, delicious BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad!
This balanced dish combines smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors perfectly! Enjoy it for a light lunch or dinner that’s not only delicious but also quick to make!
FAQ for Easy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Salad?
Absolutely! While chicken works excellently in this recipe, you can also use shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad and chicken skewers in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The salad can be kept for up to 2 days, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh. The chicken skewers will stay good for about 3 days.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken skewers and grill them in advance. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also chop the salad ingredients and make the dressing ahead; just mix it all together when you’re ready to serve.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt in the Dressing?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute Greek yogurt with cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Another option is to create a vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice for a lighter dressing.
