Grilled chicken skewers are always a crowd-pleaser, but when you pair them with a refreshing salad, you’ve got a recipe that’s destined to become a summertime staple. Introducing the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky goodness of barbecue-infused chicken with the crunch and vibrance of a vibrant green salad.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite among home cooks who are looking for a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, crisp greens, and a tangy-sweet dressing makes for a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What’s not to love about this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad? The grilled chicken skewers offer a delightful contrast in texture, with a charred exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat. The fresh greens provide a refreshing crunch and a nutrient-dense base for the dish, while the homemade dressing ties everything together with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary needs, from reducing the fat content to increasing the protein. And with the ability to prepare the components in advance, it’s the perfect weeknight meal or weekend gathering dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad ❓
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh greens, and a tangy-sweet dressing creates a [cuisine type]-inspired flavor profile that has made [recipe type] recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
• Step 3: Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
• Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
• Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
• Step 7: Top the salad with the grilled chicken skewers and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional BBQ chicken salads, which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad saves you 20 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
These BBQ Chicken Skewer Salads provide approximately 70% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the romaine lettuce for a mixed greens blend or kale, and use a sugar-free barbecue sauce.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the cheddar cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether.
• Added protein: Sprinkle the salad with grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or sliced cucumber for additional nutrient-rich veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the salad with a crusty whole-grain roll or slice of garlic bread for a more substantial meal.
• Complement the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with a refreshing side of chilled watermelon or a creamy cucumber salad.
• For a summertime gathering, serve the salad on a large platter with additional toppings like crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, or toasted almonds.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Soggy salad: Adding the dressing too early can cause the greens to become wilted and soggy. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving for maximum crispness.
• Bland flavor: Skimping on the barbecue sauce or dressing can leave the dish lacking in flavor. Be generous with the seasonings and sauces to ensure a bold, satisfying taste.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Skewer Salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken skewers and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling and assembling the salad.
• Freezing baked: Once the chicken skewers have cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat the skewers in the oven or on the grill until heated through.
• Reheating: To restore the texture of the grilled chicken skewers, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or on the grill for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad in advance?
Absolutely! The components of this recipe can be prepared ahead of time for easy assembly. The chicken skewers can be grilled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while the salad ingredients can be chopped and kept separately. The dressing can also be made in advance and refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing and top with the grilled chicken skewers.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins that pair well with the barbecue flavor and salad components. Consider using grilled shrimp, steak, or even marinated tofu as alternative options. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for the protein you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
With a few simple modifications, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad can be easily adapted for a low-carb or keto diet. Instead of the romaine lettuce, use a mixed greens blend or kale as the base. Opt for a sugar-free barbecue sauce and skip the honey in the dressing. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for a low-carb option like feta or goat cheese.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I still make the chicken skewers?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily cook the chicken skewers on a grill pan or in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as the skewers may cook a bit faster in a pan compared to the grill.
Can I add any additional toppings or mix-ins to the salad?
Definitely! The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is highly versatile and can be customized with a variety of toppings and mix-ins. Consider adding sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, toasted almonds, or crispy onion strings to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Conclusion
These BBQ Chicken Skewer Salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, they’re sure to impress with their smoky, juicy chicken, crisp greens, and tangy-sweet dressing. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these BBQ Chicken Skewer Salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the grilling and assembly.
So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that’s sure to become a new summertime favorite.
Print
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
• Step 2: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
• Step 3: Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
• Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
• Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
• Step 7: Top the salad with the grilled chicken skewers and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
