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This hearty BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines smoky grilled chicken with fresh summer vegetables, all tied together with a creamy herby ranch dressing. It's a complete meal that satisfies both protein cravings and the need for fresh, vibrant vegetables.
The first time I made this for a backyard gathering, guests were fighting over the last skewer. Since then, it's become my go to recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of the tangy BBQ chicken with the herb-forward ranch dressing creates magic on your plate.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provides lean protein that grills beautifully and absorbs the BBQ marinade
- BBQ sauce: adds smoky sweetness that caramelizes on the grill for extra flavor depth
- Avocado oil: withstands high heat grilling without smoking or breaking down
- Fresh herbs including dill, parsley, cilantro and basil: brightens the entire dish with layers of flavor
- Corn: adds natural sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast when grilled
- Romaine lettuce: offers the perfect crisp base that holds up well to the warm toppings
- Avocado: contributes creamy richness that balances the acidic components
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pound chicken to uniform thickness ensuring even cooking throughout. The half inch thickness is crucial for quick cooking that remains juicy. Cut into consistent 2 inch pieces so every skewer cooks at the same rate. The oil in the marinade helps the BBQ sauce adhere better while the salt penetrates the meat for flavor throughout.
- Make the herby ranch:
- Position the immersion blender directly on the egg yolk at the bottom of the jar before turning it on. This creates the emulsion foundation that gives the ranch its creamy texture. Add the coconut milk slowly while blending to maintain the emulsion. The combination of fresh dill and parsley provides the classic ranch profile while the garlic and onion powder add depth without overpowering.
- Grill with precision:
- Oil the grill grates thoroughly but sparingly to prevent sticking without causing flare ups. Place corn around the perimeter where heat is slightly lower for gentle caramelization. Position chicken skewers in the center of the grate for direct heat. Close the grill lid between turns to maintain consistent temperature and create a convection effect for even cooking.
- Assemble strategically:
- Dress the greens just before serving to prevent wilting. Add the warm grilled elements last so they slightly wilt just the top layer of greens. Incorporate the avocado after dressing to prevent browning and maintain its distinct texture. The final toss should be gentle to keep ingredients distinct rather than muddled.
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The fresh herbs truly make this recipe special. I grow dill, basil and parsley in my garden specifically for this dressing. There's something deeply satisfying about stepping outside with kitchen shears to snip herbs moments before they hit the dressing. My family knows summer has officially arrived when this salad makes its first appearance of the season.
Make Ahead Options
This salad offers several make ahead possibilities that can significantly reduce day of preparation time. The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, which not only saves time but enhances flavor development as the meat absorbs more of the BBQ goodness. The herby ranch dressing actually improves after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours as the flavors meld together, making it ideal to prepare the morning of or even the day before. For ultimate convenience, you can chop all vegetables except the avocado and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the dressing and avocado only at the last minute to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe allows for numerous adaptations to accommodate dietary restrictions or pantry limitations. For a dairy free ranch option, the recipe already uses coconut milk, but you could also substitute almond milk with a splash of lemon juice for tanginess. If following Whole30, simply omit the corn and black beans as noted in the recipe. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu that has been pressed and marinated in the same BBQ mixture, or try thick slices of portobello mushrooms which develop wonderful smoky flavor on the grill. In a pinch, bottled ranch dressing can replace the homemade version, though the fresh herb flavors will be less pronounced.
Serving Suggestions
This salad transitions beautifully from casual weeknight dinner to impressive entertaining fare depending on how you present it. For family style serving, place the dressed salad in a large, shallow bowl and arrange the skewers across the top for a dramatic presentation. When hosting guests, consider setting up a build your own salad bar with the components separated, allowing everyone to customize their plate. For a more elegant plated service, remove the chicken from the skewers and arrange on individual plates with the salad alongside. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of grilled garlic bread or a light soup like gazpacho in summer months. For beverages, consider serving with unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc if alcohol is desired.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prepare chicken for the skewers?
Use a meat mallet to even out the chicken's thickness and cut into cubes. Marinate with BBQ sauce, oil, and salt for at least 20 minutes or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
- → Can the herby ranch dressing be made in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
- → What’s the best way to grill chicken skewers evenly?
Grill the skewers on medium-high heat, turning every few minutes. Baste generously with BBQ sauce midway through cooking for extra flavor.
- → How do I handle the corn for this salad?
Grill the corn evenly, turning every 2 minutes until tender. Once cool enough, remove the kernels from the cob and mix into the salad.
- → Can this dish be made Whole30 compliant?
Yes, omit black beans and corn to make it Whole30 compliant. Use a Whole30-approved BBQ sauce and dressing.
- → What alternatives can I use for avocado?
If you prefer not to use avocado, you can substitute with diced cucumber for a similarly refreshing addition.