If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful, and downright irresistible salad that combines the smoky charm of grilled chicken with crisp, colorful veggies, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s fresh yet hearty, tangy yet sweet, and incredibly satisfying whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next get-together. The marriage of perfectly grilled BBQ chicken and garden-fresh ingredients creates layers of texture and taste that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it straightforward but never boring—each ingredient brings its own magic to the final plate. The smoky, spiced chicken, fresh produce bursting with color, and creamy feta plus tangy dressings all work in harmony to create something truly special.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and perfect skewer pieces.
- Olive oil: Brings richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
- BBQ sauce: The heart of this recipe’s flavor, adding smokiness and sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Gives that deep, smoky undertone.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory kick.
- Onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper: For a touch of heat and complexity.
- Salt: Essential to balance and bring out all the tastes.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a bright sweetness and crunch.
- Yellow bell pepper: Offers sunny color and a mild flavor.
- Zucchini: A tender, subtly flavored vegetable that grills beautifully.
- Red onion: Sharp, colorful, and it caramelizes nicely on the grill.
- Mixed salad greens: A fresh, crisp base that balances the warm grilled ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet bursts of juiciness throughout the salad.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for creamy, tangy contrast.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: Adds a tangy zip to tie everything together.
- Extra BBQ sauce: For drizzling and an extra punch of flavor.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Grill and Chicken
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to a lively medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, cut your chicken breasts into evenly sized chunks about 1 to 1.5 inches thick to guarantee quick, even cooking.
Step 2: Making the Marinade
Mix together olive oil, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. This vibrant marinade is where the magic begins—it imparts bold, smoky, and savory notes that will soak into your chicken.
Step 3: Marinating the Chicken
Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade in a large bowl. Toss to make sure each piece is glistening with flavor. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the veg. This brief rest gives the chicken a chance to soak up all those delicious spices.
Step 4: Preparing the Vegetables
Cut your red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into chunks to match the size of your chicken pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly and looks beautiful on the skewer.
Step 5: Assembling the Skewers
Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers—this colorful, layered look not only tastes amazing but will dazzle your guests. Aim for a good balance of chicken and veg on each skewer for variety in every bite.
Step 6: Grilling the Skewers
Place your skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes. You want your chicken cooked through and juicy, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, while the vegetables lightly char and soften.
Step 7: Preparing the Salad Base
While the skewers work their magic on the grill, toss the mixed greens and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. This creates a fresh, crisp base that will perfectly support the smoky grilled medley.
Step 8: Resting and Removing Chicken & Veggies
Once your skewers are off the grill, let them rest for a moment to lock in juices. Then carefully slide the chicken and grilled vegetables off the sticks and arrange them on your salad bed.
Step 9: Adding the Final Touches
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over your salad, then drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for tang and a touch of sweetness. Finish with a gentle drizzle of BBQ sauce for that signature flavor and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous lift. Toss everything gently to combine and serve.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must for finishing this salad—its bright, zesty notes cut through the smoky richness and brighten the whole dish. You could also add a few extra crumbles of feta or a lemon wedge for a little citrus pop.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own but pairs beautifully with some warm crusty bread or garlic naan. For something heartier, a side of quinoa or herbed rice complements the smoky flavors perfectly without overpowering the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the BBQ chicken and veggies still on the skewers over the salad, so guests can enjoy picking from the sticks. Alternatively, plate the salad in colorful bowls or on large platters for family-style sharing that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep things fresh, store the grilled chicken separately from the greens and toss just before serving.
Freezing
While the salad itself is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked BBQ chicken and grilled vegetables separately. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your stored chicken and veggies gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Fresh salad greens are best not reheated to maintain their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in mushrooms, cherry peppers, or even small pieces of pineapple for a sweet contrast. Just make sure the chunks are similar in size to the chicken for even grilling.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 10 minutes?
While 10 minutes is the minimum suggested, marinating for longer—up to a few hours—deepens the flavor. However, even a short marinade helps infuse the chicken with smoky, spicy goodness.
Can I make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace chicken with chunks of firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a delicious vegetarian version that still grills well and pairs beautifully with the veggies and salad.
How do I keep the grilled vegetables from getting soggy?
Cutting the vegetables into larger chunks helps them retain their shape and texture. Also, grilling them quickly over medium-high heat gives that perfect char without releasing too much moisture.
What dressing goes well with this salad besides balsamic vinaigrette?
Try a creamy ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy chipotle dressing for a flavor twist. Just be mindful of balancing the smoky BBQ flavors with something that complements rather than overwhelms.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of fresh flavors and easy grill magic all in one bowl. It’s perfect for when you want something healthy but still packed with bold tastes and gorgeous colors. Give it a try—you’ll find it hard not to share it with friends and family once they see just how delicious and fun it is to eat.
