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Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that screams summer? This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful spin on the classic California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Salad. Packed with juicy grilled chicken skewers, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, this summer recipe is perfect for warm evenings or casual gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of BBQ chicken salad or just looking for a fresh way to enjoy chicken skewers, this dish will hit all the right spots!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a standout Summer Recipe that’s sure to impress. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Bold Flavors: BBQ-sauced Chicken Skewers pair perfectly with a zesty herby ranch dressing.
Fresh and Light: Crisp veggies and creamy avocado make it a refreshing Bbq Chicken Salad.
Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour, ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
Customizable: Adapt with your favorite veggies or store-bought dressing for this Grilled Chicken Skewers dish.
Perfect for Summer: Grilled elements and vibrant ingredients scream Summer Recipe vibes.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

For the Grilled Chicken Skewers

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen recommended)
8 (6-inch) wooden skewers, pre-soaked

For the Whole30 Herby Ranch

1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado or light olive oil; or sub store-bought mayo)
1 egg (omit if using 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 garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Salad

4 ears corn (omit for Whole30)
2 tbsp avocado oil
8 cups romaine lettuce, thinly sliced (or 2 small heads)
6 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts only)
2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, loosely packed and chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

1. Marinate the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet.
Cut into 2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
Add avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup BBQ sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for 4-8 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Whole30 Herby Ranch

In a wide-mouth jar, pour in the oil and crack the egg, letting it sink to the bottom.
Using an immersion blender, blend without moving until a creamy mayo forms at the bottom (about 10 seconds). Slowly move the blender up and down to emulsify the entire jar. (Alternatively, use 1 cup store-bought mayo.)
Add coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic. Blend again to combine.
Stir in dill, parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use (keeps for up to 1 week).

3. Grill and Assemble

Preheat the grill to medium-high (350-400°F) and oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in a little oil.
Drizzle corn with avocado oil and rub to coat evenly.
Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until tender. Simultaneously, grill chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting the grilled side with reserved BBQ sauce after flipping. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F internally and has nice grill marks.
Remove corn and chicken from the grill. Let corn cool slightly.
In a large bowl, toss romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil with desired amount of herby ranch dressing.
Cut corn kernels off the cob and add to the salad along with diced avocado. Toss gently.
Serve the salad topped with grilled chicken skewers and extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Make it quick: Use store-bought mayo or ranch dressing to cut prep time.
Whole30-friendly: Skip the corn and black beans for a compliant meal.
Skewer prep: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Grill safety: Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain even heat.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm chicken skewers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes; serve salad cold for this Bbq Chicken Salad.
Dressing Storage: Keep herby ranch in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
Avoid Freezing: Fresh veggies and dressing don’t freeze well in this Summer Recipe.
Make Ahead: Marinate chicken and prep dressing a day in advance for quick assembly of Grilled Chicken Skewers.

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Can I use store-bought dressing for Bbq Chicken Salad?
Yes, a light ranch saves time, but homemade adds unique flavor to this Summer Recipe.

How long does Summer Recipe last?
The salad and chicken stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days if stored separately.

Can I bake Chicken Skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce, for Grilled Chicken Skewers flavor.

What BBQ sauce is best for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Choose a low-sugar, tangy sauce like Primal Kitchen for this Bbq Chicken Salad.

Can I make Summer Recipe Whole30-compliant?
Omit corn and beans, and use Whole30-approved BBQ sauce and mayo for Chicken Skewers.

What pairs well with Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Serve with grilled veggies, cornbread, or fruit salad for a balanced Summer Recipe meal.

More Summer Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of summer flavors. The smoky grilled chicken skewers, paired with the creamy, herb-packed ranch and fresh veggies, make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this BBQ chicken salad is sure to impress.

Ready to fire up the grill? Try this summer recipe and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! For more delicious ideas, check out our other chicken skewers recipes on Food and Tips.