When summer hits, few things bring people together like the smoky aroma of BBQ chicken sizzling on the grill. Pair that with the crisp freshness of a colorful salad, and you’ve got a dish that’s as hearty as it is refreshing: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.

This recipe combines juicy grilled chicken skewers glazed in BBQ sauce with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. It’s not just a salad — it’s a flavor-packed meal that works for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prep.

✨ Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers:

1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for brushing)
Wooden or metal skewers

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup shredded cheddar or feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

📝 Instructions

Prep the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Thread onto skewers.
Grill the skewers: Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Cook skewers 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through. Brush generously with BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, arrange salad greens, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, corn, avocado, and cheese.
Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Remove chicken from skewers or serve skewers whole on top of the salad. Drizzle with dressing and extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Serve immediately: Best enjoyed warm with fresh greens for maximum flavor and texture contrast.

🔥 The Flavor Experience

What makes this dish shine is the contrast of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors:

The BBQ chicken is juicy, smoky, and caramelized.
The salad brings crisp, refreshing textures with every bite.
The tangy-sweet dressing ties everything together, balancing richness with freshness.

🌎 A Little Background on BBQ

BBQ culture is rich and varied, with regional styles across the United States — from smoky Texas brisket to tangy Carolina pulled pork. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic American backyard BBQ, translating those bold flavors into a lighter, healthier salad form. Instead of being heavy, the salad feels satisfying yet refreshing, perfect for summer dining.

🎉 Variations to Try

Mediterranean Twist: Swap BBQ sauce with lemon-herb marinade and top with tzatziki.
Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, tortilla strips, and a lime-cilantro dressing.
Spicy Kick: Mix hot sauce into the BBQ glaze or sprinkle red chili flakes.
Veggie Option: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or portobello mushrooms.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

Use thigh meat if you want juicier chicken than breast.
Grill the corn on the cob before cutting off kernels for smoky sweetness.
Double the dressing and use it as a marinade for the chicken.
For meal prep, store salad and chicken separately to keep greens crisp.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx. 4 servings)

Calories: 350
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 600mg

🥳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced meal: Protein, veggies, and healthy fats in one bowl.
Crowd-pleaser: Familiar BBQ flavors everyone loves.
Quick & versatile: Perfect for weeknights, summer parties, or meal prep.
Healthy comfort food: Satisfying without being heavy