Sizzling BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer calls for mouthwatering BBQ chicken skewer salad that brings vibrant colors and zesty flavors to your plate.

Juicy marinated chicken chunks dance alongside crisp greens and tangy vegetables.

Subtle smoky notes from perfectly grilled meat complement the fresh ingredients.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings add depth and excitement to every delightful bite.

Colorful bell peppers and cool cucumber create a refreshing contrast against warm, charred chicken pieces.

Quick and simple preparation makes this salad an ideal meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

You’ll love how each forkful combines hearty protein with light, crisp vegetables.

Dive into this delectable combination that promises to become your new summer favorite.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Summer Vibes

• Craft restaurant-quality skewers with minimal cooking skills, perfect for novice and experienced grillers alike.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado, creating a balanced and wholesome dish.
• Impress guests with a vibrant, colorful salad that combines smoky grilled chicken and crisp vegetables in one stunning plate.
• Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that provides the main substance of the dish.

• Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and sweetness to the grilled skewers.

• Olive Oil, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the chicken's flavor and creates a delicious marinade.

• Mixed Greens: A fresh and nutritious foundation for the salad.

• Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide texture, flavor, and additional nutrients to the salad.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper: A tangy and sweet dressing that complements the grilled chicken and salad vegetables.

How to Assemble BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Get your grill hot and ready by preheating to medium-high heat.

Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat the chicken cubes completely in this zesty seasoning blend.

Step 3: Build Colorful Skewers

• Bell pepper slices
• Onion pieces

Step 4: Grill To Perfection

Cook skewers on the grill for 5-7 minutes per side.

Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for tender, juicy results.

Step 5: Assemble Fresh Salad Base

• Mixed salad greens
• Cucumber chunks
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Diced red onion

Step 6: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 7: Create The Final Masterpiece

Remove chicken from skewers and place atop the salad.

Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine all flavors.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Plate immediately and enjoy this summer-inspired culinary creation!

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Tips to Know

• Soak chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Watch for flare-ups and move skewers to cooler grill areas to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, using the same seasoning for a plant-based version of the dish.
• Leave small gaps between ingredients on skewers to allow heat to circulate and cook food evenly without steaming.
• Adjust honey and vinegar ratios in the dressing to match your preferred sweet-tangy profile, tasting as you mix.

Storing BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Properly

• Store grilled chicken skewers and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep dressing in a sealed jar to maintain freshness.
• Warm skewered chicken in microwave for 30-45 seconds on medium power, or reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Add fresh greens and crisp vegetables just before serving to maintain crunch and prevent wilting. Dress only the portion you plan to eat immediately.
• Freeze plain grilled chicken without salad components for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Sides to Serve with BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Pairing Flavor Boosters: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Select a Crisp White Wine: Pair with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the grilled chicken's smoky notes and cut through the salad's richness.
• Match with Refreshing Beer: Choose a light wheat beer or citrusy pale ale that balances the BBQ spices and provides a cool contrast to the grilled elements.
• Create a Zesty Mocktail: Blend fresh cucumber, mint, and sparkling water with a splash of lime for a vibrant non-alcoholic drink that echoes the salad's fresh ingredients.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Add a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the tangy balsamic dressing and provide a satisfying textural component.

Fresh Takes on BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

• Vegetarian Kebab Salad: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same spice blend for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the Dijon mustard and using tamari instead of traditional soy-based seasonings.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Version: Swap mixed greens for crisp romaine or arugula, add extra grilled vegetables like zucchini and swap honey with a sugar-free sweetener for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate jalapeños into the skewers, use chipotle powder instead of paprika, and add fresh cilantro to the salad for a bold, zesty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for the skewers?

You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a protein variation. Just adjust grilling times based on the protein you choose.

• What if I don't have a grill?

Use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the skewers in the oven at 425F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or include a spicy component in the dressing like sriracha or cayenne pepper to increase heat levels.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your Dijon mustard and any additional seasonings are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.