Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups bbq sauce (Primal Kitchen brand); 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers, pre-soaked; 1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado oil or ‘light’ olive oil); 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo); 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, seeded, and diced medium

If summer had a signature salad, it would be this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad — smoky, juicy chicken skewers, vibrant crisp greens, and a punchy herby ranch all in one glorious bowl. Packed with color, crunch, and crowd-pleasing flavor, this salad is as much a showstopper as it is an easy weeknight dinner or backyard meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-One Flavor: Each bite layers juicy, grilled BBQ chicken with crunchy veggies and a velvety herby ranch dressing — it’s the ultimate combo of savory, tangy, smoky, and fresh.
Customizable for Every Crowd: Whether you’re Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, or feeding picky eaters, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad can be adapted to suit everyone at your table.
Makes Weeknights or Cookouts Effortless: Grill the chicken and corn at the same time, toss together simple greens, and dinner is ready in less than 40 minutes.
Meal Prep Dream: Everything stays crisp, juicy, and delicious — making leftovers just as tempting as the first serving.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is how it elevates simple, staple ingredients — like chicken breast, crunchy lettuce, and sweet corn — into something that tastes like a summer celebration. Here’s how each ingredient brings this salad to life!

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein that absorbs BBQ flavor beautifully and stays incredibly juicy when grilled on skewers.
Avocado Oil: Perfect for high-heat grilling and keeps everything moist without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Kosher Salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors of both chicken and dressing — don’t skip it!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite; it delivers the smoky, sweet, and tangy notes that make this salad irresistible (I love Primal Kitchen brand, but any good BBQ sauce works).
Wooden Skewers: Pre-soak to keep them from burning on the grill (a must for gorgeous presentation and easy handling).
For the Herby Ranch: A blend of light-tasting oil, fresh herbs (dill, parsley), lemon juice, garlic, coconut milk, and a splash of red wine vinegar — this creamy, dairy-free dressing is next-level!
Corn on the Cob: Grilled until charred and sweet, then sliced off for little pops of summer in every bite (skip for Whole30).
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing, and the perfect hearty base for all the toppings.
Green Onions: Adds mild oniony flavor without overwhelming the salad.
Grape Tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness and sweetness for a vibrant color and flavor pop.
Black Beans: Hearty, creamy, and earthy — these round things out and add protein and fiber (omit for Whole30).
Fresh Cilantro & Basil: Two fresh herbs that make every forkful feel bright and summery.
Avocado: That creamy, buttery finish that makes the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad feel extra luxe.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is endlessly adaptable, which means you get to play with flavors, textures, and even make it fit your family’s dietary needs. Here are just a few delicious twists you can try:

Whole30/Paleo Version: Simply skip the corn and black beans — you still get all the color and big flavors, minus the legumes and grains.
Veggie Swap: Sub in grilled zucchini, red peppers, or a medley of your favorite farmers’ market finds for a garden-fresh update.
Switch up Proteins: Try grilled shrimp or tofu skewers for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist — just brush with BBQ sauce and grill as usual.
Dressing Flexibility: If you’re short on time, use a high-quality store-bought ranch or vinaigrette; or spice things up with chipotle ranch or a cilantro-lime dressing.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness — this helps every piece cook evenly and stay oh-so-juicy. Then, cube the chicken and toss it in a mix of oil, kosher salt, and half of your BBQ sauce. Let it soak up those flavors for at least 20 minutes (room temp is great if you’re short on time, but 4-8 hours in the fridge makes it extra flavorful!).

Step 2: Whip Up the Herby Ranch

For homemade herby ranch, add the oil and egg to a wide-mouth jar, then use an immersion blender to work your DIY mayo magic—just blend until creamy. Add the rest of your ranch ingredients (coconut milk, lemon, vinegar, herbs, and spices), blend again, and finish with fresh chopped dill, parsley, and cracked black pepper. If using store-bought mayo, just mix in the other flavors. Chill it in the fridge until salad time.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken & Corn

Brush the ears of corn with avocado oil and get your grill hot (about 350–400°F). Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked skewers. Grill the corn, turning every couple of minutes, for about 10-12 minutes until tender and lightly charred. Grill the skewers 3-4 minutes per side. As you flip the chicken, baste the cooked side with reserved BBQ sauce. Everything will come out gorgeous and smoky!

Step 4: Toss the Salad Together

In a giant bowl, add your chopped romaine, sliced green onions, quartered grape tomatoes, drained black beans, and chopped herbs. Drizzle in some herby ranch and toss until every piece is glistening with that dreamy dressing. Slice the kernels off the cooled corn and add, along with diced avocado. Give it a gentle last toss to mix.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Lay out a bed of salad on each plate, top with a grilled chicken skewer or two, and pile on all those gorgeous cooked and fresh veggies. Have leftover ranch on the side for drizzling and digging in — and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad at its sunny, flavor-packed best.

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Uniform Chicken Cubes: Cutting the chicken into even 2-inch pieces ensures they cook at the same rate, so none dry out before the rest are done.
Soaking Skewers is a Must: Wooden skewers burn quickly, so soak them at least 30 minutes prior and you’ll avoid charred surprises on the grill.
Generous Basting: Reserve some BBQ sauce for basting after the first turn on the grill — it gives the chicken irresistible stickiness and stacked BBQ flavor.
Toss Salad Right Before Serving: Dress only the amount you’re serving immediately for the crispiest lettuce and brightest flavors — leftovers stay fresher this way!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

Don’t forget to finish your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with a handful of fresh, chopped cilantro and basil for a fragrant lift, an extra drizzle of that irresistible herby ranch, or a quick grind of black pepper. If you love crunch, sprinkle on pepitas or thin-sliced radishes right before serving for the perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This salad is a meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to round out the table, try it with grilled garlic bread, a platter of juicy watermelon, or a simple pitcher of lemonade. For extra protein, you could set out a batch of chilled quinoa salad or some roasted sweet potatoes — both are wonderful with BBQ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Skewer the chicken individually and stand them upright in the salad bowl for a “bouquet” effect, or lay them artfully across a platter for family-style serving. Layer the composed salad in jars for an easy picnic or lunchbox to-go. For parties, divide into small cups with a mini skewer on top for the ultimate appetizer presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad components separate for maximum freshness: store grilled chicken, veggies, and the herby ranch in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad (undressed) stays crisp for up to 3 days, while the chicken will last 3-4 days — just add avocado, herbs, and dressing right before eating.

Freezing

While you definitely don’t want to freeze the dressed salad or fresh veggies, the grilled chicken skewers freeze beautifully! Simply wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and you’re set for a lightning-fast salad bowl later on.

Reheating

To reheat chicken skewers, pop them in a 325°F oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes until heated through (or slice the chicken and warm in a skillet for a couple minutes). Let the chicken cool slightly before adding to salad so nothing wilts that beautiful romaine!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch instead of making the herby ranch?

Absolutely! For maximum convenience, your favorite store-bought ranch works great in this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad — just aim for one that’s light in flavor so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. You can also stir in a handful of fresh chopped herbs to give it that homemade, vibrant touch.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

The key is to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cubing, and keep your grill at medium-high heat. Don’t overcook! Just 3-4 minutes per side is usually perfect. And don’t forget to baste the grilled side with extra BBQ sauce after the first flip for extra juiciness.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Grill the chicken and veggies, prep your salad ingredients, and make the dressing a day in advance. Keep everything separate and assemble just before serving for a salad that tastes freshly made and looks stunning on the table.
Is there a way to make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad vegetarian or vegan?

You can! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or vegan chicken tenders (just be sure to brush with BBQ sauce as they cook). Use a dairy-free ranch or vinaigrette, and pile on all the grilled veggies your heart desires for a plant-powered, equally delicious version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but is oh-so-simple to throw together, you can’t go wrong with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. Light, fresh, and packed with bold summer flavors, it’s destined to become a warm-weather favorite in your kitchen too. Grab those skewers and let the grilling (and the feasting) begin!