Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 1 cup light tasting oil; 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo, see note); 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; 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 and seed removed and diced medium)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished a cookout could fit into a salad bowl, you’re about to fall in love. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a summertime dream made easy: juicy BBQ-sauced chicken skewers, golden grilled corn, creamy herby ranch, and a heap of fresh, crunchy veggies—every bite is a celebration of color, big flavor, and true backyard vibes. It’s the kind of satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish I make whenever I want to keep things both nutritious and fun, and trust me, you’ll come back to this recipe all season long.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad lies in how each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s smokiness, creaminess, crunch, or a pop of color. These simple components layer together for a meal that tastes like far more than the sum of its parts.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless; they grill up tender and soak in all that big BBQ flavor.

Avocado oil: A high smoke point oil that keeps things juicy and lets the chicken crisp up on the grill.
Kosher salt: Brings out the best in every ingredient; don’t be shy.

BBQ sauce: Primal Kitchen is my go-to for tangy, smoky, just-sweet-enough richness; use your favorite!
Wooden skewers: Soak these for at least 30 minutes to prevent scorching on the grill.

Neutral oil (like light tasting oil): Essential for making that creamy homemade ranch base.
Egg: Adds silkiness to homemade mayo; skip if you’re opting for store-bought dressing.
Coconut milk: Gives the herby ranch a subtle, dairy-free creaminess.

Lemon juice & red wine vinegar: Tangy, zippy notes that balance richness throughout the salad.
Onion powder & minced garlic: Beautiful background flavors for both dressing and salad.
Fresh dill and parsley: The herb combo that screams summer freshness in every bite.

Freshly cracked black pepper: Lively, robust, and the perfect seasoning for both chicken and dressing.
Corn on the cob: Grilled for irresistible smoky sweetness and eye-catching yellow color.
Romaine lettuce: Has the crisp bite and leafy volume needed as a salad base here.

Green onions: Mild bite and color that plays with the BBQ flavor so well.
Grape tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and make every forkful pop.
Black beans: Creamy texture and earthy depth; omit if you want a lighter or Whole30-friendly version.

Cilantro and basil: Fresh, aromatic herbs that tie the salad layers together beautifully.
Avocado: Buttery, cooling chunks that balance smoky and tangy elements like nothing else.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The secret to ultra-flavorful skewers starts with a proper marinade. Pound your chicken breasts to an even ½ inch thickness (your skillet works well if you don’t have a meat mallet). Cube them into hearty, skewer-able pieces and toss with avocado oil, kosher salt, and a cup of your best BBQ sauce. Tumbled together, they soak in those classic barbecue tones—let them rest for a quick 20 minutes or really deepen the flavor with a 4–8 hour chill in the fridge.

Step 2: Make the Herby Ranch Dressing

This creamy dreamy ranch puts the store-bought kind to shame. If you’re making your own, just add your oil and egg to a wide-mouth jar, let the egg settle, and work your immersion blender magic until you see a lush mayo form. Next, blend in coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic before stirring in handfuls of fresh dill and parsley plus, of course, a shower of black pepper. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready—it only gets better as it chills!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

With your chicken marinating and ranch chilling, it’s grill time! Drizzle corn cobs with avocado oil for that golden, blistered exterior. Heat your grill to medium-high (about 350–400°F), then oil your grates for that classic crosshatch mark, not sad sticking. Place your corn on and rotate every couple of minutes for about 10–12 minutes till juicy and tender. Skewer up the marinated chicken and grill both sides, brushing on more luscious BBQ sauce as you go, until charred outside and just cooked through. Let everything cool until you can handle it—trust me, that anticipation is worth it.

Step 4: Build the Salad

While the grill works its magic, combine romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil in your happiest salad bowl. Drizzle over as much homemade ranch as your heart desires—no judgment here!—and toss until every romaine ribbon is dreamily coated. Once cool, cut corn off the cob and add those golden kernels, followed by creamy avocado cubes. A gentle final toss and you’re on your way to BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad perfection.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Now for the show! Mound your salad on a platter or deep bowl, arrange those glistening skewers on top (family style is always a hit), and drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce or more dill-flecked dressing. It’s bold, beautiful, and positively made for passing around the table with friends.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

Scatter extra fresh herbs—think dill sprigs, basil ribbons, or chopped cilantro—for pops of color and that garden-fresh aroma. A few extra cracks of black pepper and a squeeze of lemon make every forkful shine. If you’re feeling extra, a dusting of smoked paprika or even some crispy fried onions throws the whole dish over the top.

Side Dishes

Though this salad is a meal unto itself, it pairs beautifully with grilled bread, juicy watermelon wedges, or a simple coleslaw on the side. If you’re serving a crowd, pass around some chilled rosé or sparkling water with lime for picnic-table brilliance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try threading mini skewers and serving individual bowls with a drizzle of dressing and a chicken skewer perched on top—guaranteed wow factor! For picnics, layer the salad components in mason jars with the dressing at the bottom, then top with a skewer for a mobile meal. However you serve it, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad loves a little fun and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad stays fresh for a day or two in the fridge. Store the salad, ranch dressing, and chicken separately if possible to keep everything crisp and lively. Just toss together right before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

While the main salad ingredients don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 months, which makes future assembling a breeze. Let them thaw overnight before bringing that barbecue flavor back to your salad bowls.

Reheating

To reheat your chicken skewers, place them on a skillet or in a 350°F oven just until warmed through. If you stored skewers with the sauce, you may want to brush on a little more BBQ sauce before reheating to ensure juicy flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, just grab your favorite light, mild, or herby ranch. The salad will still sing with flavor, though homemade does offer a lovely freshness.

Is this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad good for meal prep?

It sure is! Grill up batches of chicken and corn, and prep your veggies in advance. Store everything separately and assemble just before enjoying for crunchiest results—your weekday lunches just got deliciously exciting.

What BBQ sauce works best?

The sky’s the limit! Whether you love it smoky, sweet, spicy, or sugar-free, use the BBQ sauce you’d want to dip everything into. Primal Kitchen’s is great for a cleaner option, but any good-quality sauce will shine here.

Can I make this salad without a grill?

Definitely. Use a grill pan indoors or broil the chicken and corn in your oven. You’ll still get lovely char and caramelization, and those BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad flavors will come through beautifully.

How can I make this salad Whole30 or paleo?

Simply skip the corn and black beans, and double-check your BBQ sauce for compliant ingredients. The salad remains just as vibrant—and those chicken skewers are still pure perfection.

Final Thoughts

If ever a salad could steal the show at your table, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad has everything going for it: smoky, juicy chicken; creamy ranch; and a crunch that keeps you going back for more. Whether you’re hosting a summer bash or just craving something bold and fresh, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be hooked after that first bite!