You know those sweltering summer days when the thought of turning on the oven just feels impossible? Or when you’re planning that backyard BBQ and want something *super* fresh and exciting, but you’re also kinda wiped from adulting all week? Yeah, I’ve been there SO many times! That’s exactly why I dreamed up this Irresistible BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe For Summer Fun. Seriously, it’s become my absolute go-to. The star of the show? These smoky, slightly sweet grilled BBQ chicken skewers that are just out-of-this-world delicious, tossed with crisp greens and all sorts of summery goodness. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy and doesn’t ask too much of you. Trust me, your summer gatherings are about to get a whole lot tastier and way more relaxed!
Why This Irresistible Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe Is Perfect For Summer Fun
Okay, so why is this salad my summer superhero? Let me spill the beans!
- Seriously Easy Peasy: Like, I can whip this up after a long day and still have energy to actually *enjoy* the party. The prep is simple, and the grilling takes hardly any time. Effortless deliciousness, anyone?
- Flavor Explosion Alert!: You get that amazing smoky char from the grill, that sweet and tangy BBQ kick, plus all the fresh veggies and zesty dressing. Forget bland salads; this one has SO much going on in the best way possible.
- Outdoor Dining Dream: This salad is practically made for picnics, BBQs, or just eating on the patio. The skewers are fun to eat, and the whole dish feels super festive and perfect for al fresco meals.
- So Refreshing!: In the heat, you want something that feels light and bright. The crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and zingy dressing are just what the doctor ordered to cool you down.
- Customizable Queen: Don’t love red onion? Add bell peppers! Want a little heat? Toss in some jalapeños! This recipe is super forgiving and lets you play around with what you have.
- It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: Honestly, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t rave about this salad. The BBQ chicken skewers are always a huge hit, and the whole dish just screams “summer party!”
Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad
Alright, let’s get our shopping list together so we can make this amazing salad! Having good quality ingredients really does make a difference, and I’ve found sticking to the good stuff here makes all the difference. You’ll want to grab:
For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:
- 1 helluva lot (about 1.5 pounds) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are my secret weapon here because they stay so juicy on the grill, but hey, breasts work too if that’s your jam! Just cut ’em into nice 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
- About 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Pick one that you really love because it’s the star here!
- 2 tablespoons of good olive oil.
- A splash of soy sauce – just 1 tablespoon for that extra savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. These are flavor powerhouses! Keep an eye out for my Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken recipe; it uses similar spice magic!
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. This gives it that lovely smoky depth.
- A pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Always taste and adjust, you know? Looking for more chicken inspiration? My Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo is another winner if you’re craving chicken!
For the Salad Base:
- 6 cups of mixed greens. Whatever looks fresh and crisp at the store will do!
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved so they’re easy to eat.
- About 1/2 cup of red onion, sliced super thin. It adds a nice bite!
- And a good handful (around 1/4 cup) of fresh cilantro, chopped. It just brightens everything up.
For the Tangy Dressing:
- 1/4 cup more lovely olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This is where that zing comes from!
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. It helps make the dressing nice and creamy.
- 1 teaspoon of honey. Just a touch of sweetness to balance things out.
- And, you guessed it, salt and pepper to taste!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad
Making this salad is honestly such a breeze, it feels more like fun than work. I’ve put it together so many times, and it always turns out fantastic. Here’s how we get there:
Marinating and Skewering the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken soaking up all that yummy flavor! In a bowl, toss your chicken pieces with the BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, and all those fabulous spices we gathered. Let it hang out for at least 30 minutes – longer is fine too, I sometimes let it go for a couple of hours in the fridge. Then, just thread those marinated chicken bits onto your skewers. Make sure they’re not packed too tightly so they cook evenly. Easy peasy! If you love marinated chicken, try my Bruschetta Chicken pasta sometime.
Grilling the BBQ Chicken Skewers to Perfection
Now for the best part – the grill! Get your grill nice and hot over medium-high heat. Honestly, I find charcoal gives the most amazing smoky flavor, but a gas grill works perfectly too. Lay those skewers down and let them work their magic for about 8-10 minutes. Give them a turn every so often so you get a nice char all around. My little trick? I always poke one piece to make sure it’s cooked through – no one wants undercooked chicken on their salad! Check out my Honey Garlic Chicken recipe for more grilling inspo.
Crafting the Perfect Salad Dressing
While the chicken is doing its thing on the grill, let’s whip up that dressing. Grab a small bowl and just whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Keep whisking until it’s all nicely combined and looks a little emulsified. A little salt and pepper to taste, and boom! Perfect dressing. It’s so simple but adds that perfect zing. It reminds me a bit of the dressing from my Chicken Broccoli Stir-fry, but with a twist!
Assembling the Irresistible Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad
Okay, the final stretch! In a big ol’ salad bowl, toss your mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and those thinly sliced red onions. Once your chicken skewers are done and the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the chicken from the skewers (a fork works great for this) and add it right into the salad bowl. Then, drizzle that delicious dressing all over everything. Give it a gentle toss so all those gorgeous ingredients get coated. You want to be kind to those greens!
Tips for Success with Your Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad
I’ve made this salad more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that just make it *even better*. Here are my top tips to ensure your BBQ chicken skewers are absolutely perfect for your summer fun:
- Don’t Skimp on Marinating Time: Seriously, give that chicken at least 30 minutes in the marinade. Even better if you can let it go for an hour or two in the fridge! It really makes a difference in how tender and flavorful the chicken gets.
- Embrace the Char: Don’t be afraid of a little char on your chicken skewers. That slightly blackened bit is where tons of flavor lives! Just make sure it’s not burnt, but a nice, deep brown is exactly what you want. It adds that authentic grilled taste.
- Prep Dressing Ahead: You can totally make the dressing for this salad a day in advance. Just store it in a jar in the fridge. Give it a good shake or whisk before you toss everything together. So handy! Speaking of handy chicken dishes, check out my Chicken Fried Rice; it’s a lifesaver for busy nights!
- Add Some Crunch!: While the base salad is awesome, I love adding a little something for texture. Toasted sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or even some crunchy croutons can take this salad to the next level. Total game-changer! For more chicken ideas, my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Steak Casserole is a family favorite.
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Summer Salad
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is fantastic as is, but you know me, I love to play around with it! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crunchy cucumbers or sweet bell peppers to the mix – they’re delicious additions. Sometimes I even toss in some dried cranberries or sliced strawberries for a sweet pop! Craving something cheesy? A sprinkle of crumbled feta or sharp cheddar can be amazing. This salad works beautifully on its own as a full meal, but it’s also a stellar side dish for burgers or corn on the cob at your next big summer get-together. It pairs wonderfully with a side of my Colorful Vegetable Salad or even a simple Caprese Salad for an extra burst of freshness!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s usually best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve again to keep everything fresh. The chicken is good cold, but if you really want it warm, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a skillet should do the trick!
Frequently Asked Questions about Irresistible Bbq Chicken Skewer Salad
Got some burning questions about this amazing salad? I’ve got you covered! It’s one of my favorite healthy meals, almost as comforting as a big bowl of homemade potato soup or a hearty plate of baked mac and cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! You can totally marinate the chicken and make the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just grill the chicken and assemble the salad. Super handy for busy hosts!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill, no problem! You can easily pan-fry the marinated chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil until they’re cooked through and nicely browned. Or, pop them on a baking sheet and roast them in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) until done. They still taste fantastic!
What are good chicken thigh substitutes?
Chicken breasts work great if you prefer them, though they can be a little less forgiving on the grill and might dry out faster. You could also dice up pork tenderloin or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Can I add other veggies to the salad?
Absolutely! This salad is super flexible. Feel free to toss in some sliced bell peppers (any color!), chopped cucumber, corn kernels, or even some black beans for extra heartiness. Go wild!
How long does the leftover salad keep?
Leftovers are a treat! Store any extra salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to keep the dressing separate if possible, but it’s usually still great even if it’s all mixed together.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates! The exact nutritional breakdown can shift a bit depending on the specific BBQ sauce you use, the size of your chicken pieces, and your dressing proportions. But generally, this delightful salad packs around 450 calories per serving, with about 25g of fat, 35g of protein, and 20g of carbs. Pretty balanced for such a flavorful dish!
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Irresistible BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for summer gatherings, featuring grilled BBQ chicken skewers.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- While chicken is grilling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Once chicken skewers are cooked, remove chicken from skewers and add to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- Adjust BBQ sauce and seasonings to your taste.
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bbq chicken salad, chicken skewers, summer salad, grilled chicken, easy salad recipe, outdoor dining, barbecue