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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in smoky BBQ sauce with fresh mixed greens, juicy vegetables, and a tangy olive oil and citrus dressing. Perfect for a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s quick to prepare, this salad delivers a refreshing contrast of textures and tastes, ideal for lunch, dinner, or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet, your choice)

Salad Base

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), chopped

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the smoky and tangy flavors.
  2. Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and nicely charred, with a caramelized BBQ glaze sealing in the juiciness.
  4. Toss the Salad: While chicken is grilling, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, avocado, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, lime or lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Place the grilled chicken skewers atop the fresh salad bed. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and vibrant flavors of smoky chicken and crisp vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer (up to 4 hours or overnight) for deeper flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking to keep chicken juicy and tender.
  • Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving for bright flavor.
  • Let grilled chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
  • Customize dressing with lemon, lime, or apple cider vinegar for acidity balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ Chicken, Skewers, Salad, Grilled Chicken, Healthy Meal, Gluten Free, Summer Recipe