BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad for Fresh and Smoky Flavor

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is my perfect summer meal—light, vibrant, and packed with flavor. The smoky grilled chicken pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. Whether I’m hosting a backyard gathering or just looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, this salad always brings color and bold taste to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s simple yet impressive. The skewered chicken adds a fun twist, and I can customize the veggies and dressing depending on what I have on hand. It’s high in protein, loaded with texture, and has that irresistible charred BBQ flavor that makes every bite sing. Plus, everything can be prepped ahead, making it ideal for easy entertaining or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks

• BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Cherry tomatoes

• Cucumber, sliced

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Mixed greens or romaine lettuce

• Corn (grilled or canned)

• Avocado, sliced

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

• Skewers (wooden or metal)

For the dressing:

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice or vinegar

• Honey or maple syrup

• Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

2. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill the chicken skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.

4. In the final minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize slightly.

5. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and avocado.

6. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad. Toss gently to coat.

7. Remove the chicken from the skewers and place on top of the salad, or serve the skewers whole over the greens.

8. Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of dressing if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and comes together in about 30 minutes. I usually prep the salad ingredients while the chicken is grilling to keep everything moving quickly.

Variations

• I sometimes swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to change it up.

• Adding grilled pineapple or mango gives the salad a sweet, tropical twist.

• I like using a spicy BBQ sauce when I want more kick.

• For a heartier version, I add black beans or cooked quinoa.

• Blue cheese or feta crumbles also go really well with the BBQ flavors.

storage/reheating

If I’m prepping ahead, I store the salad and grilled chicken separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the chicken briefly in a skillet or microwave just until warmed through. I keep the dressing in a jar and toss everything together right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

FAQs

Can I cook the chicken skewers without a grill?

Yes, I often use a grill pan on the stove or broil the skewers in the oven. They still come out juicy with great BBQ flavor.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for this salad?

I like a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce, but any style works depending on my flavor preference—spicy, honey, mustard-based, etc.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Absolutely. I grill the chicken and prep the veggies in advance, storing everything separately until I’m ready to assemble.

What type of lettuce works best?

I usually go with romaine for its crunch or mixed greens for a softer texture. Spinach also works well for a more nutrient-dense option.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It’s great for meal prep. I portion out the ingredients in containers and keep the dressing on the side until I’m ready to eat.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh vegetables with bold, smoky protein. It’s colorful, customizable, and perfect for warm-weather meals. Whether I’m grilling outside or using a stovetop, this salad always brings flavor and satisfaction to my plate.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad for Fresh and Smoky Flavor

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad, Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant, smoky summer meal bursting with grilled flavor and colorful veggies. Juicy chicken skewers glazed in BBQ sauce are served over crisp greens with avocado, corn, and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s quick, high-protein, and perfect for backyard gatherings, meal prep, or a refreshing lunch.

---

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Skewers:
• 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 2–3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more for basting)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Skewers (wooden soaked in water, or metal)
• For the Salad:
• 6 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup grilled or canned corn
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Thread chicken onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.

4. In final minutes, brush chicken with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize.

5. Toss lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and avocado in a large bowl.

6. Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad. Toss gently to coat.

7. Remove chicken from skewers and place on top of the salad, or serve skewers whole over greens.

8. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra dressing if desired.

---

Notes

• Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
• Add grilled pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.
• Spicy BBQ sauce or blue cheese adds bold contrast.
• Store salad and chicken separately if prepping ahead.
• Great for meal prep—assemble just before serving.