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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines smoky, grilled chicken skewers with fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It’s a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it an ideal meal for lunch or dinner. This salad stands out for its satisfying textures and bright flavors, offering a healthy alternative to heavier barbecue dishes while still capturing that familiar grilled flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8–10 wooden skewers, soaked in water
5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped butter lettuce
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
½ cup sliced cucumber
1 avocado, sliced

For the Dressing:

⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat
In a large bowl, combine chicken, avocado oil, coconut aminos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
Toss chicken until evenly coated with the marinade
Thread chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers
Grill chicken skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred
Remove chicken from grill and let rest
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified
In a large salad bowl, combine romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado
Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat
Top salad with grilled chicken skewers just before serving

Nutrients

Calories: 410 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 620mg
Potassium: 950mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 4800 IU
Vitamin C: 18mg
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 2mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad stands out because it merges two beloved elements—grilled barbecue chicken and fresh salad greens—into one cohesive and well-balanced dish. While many salads rely heavily on leafy greens or raw vegetables, this recipe incorporates grilled chicken skewers as the main protein source, adding both flavor and substance. The use of boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender, even when grilled over high heat. Additionally, threading the chicken onto skewers allows for even cooking and a visually appealing presentation.

What makes this recipe particularly unique is its balance of bold flavors and textures. The chicken is seasoned with a mixture of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and coconut aminos, which infuse it with a rich, smoky, and slightly tangy taste. The dressing further elevates the dish with its combination of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, offering a zesty, slightly sweet flavor profile that complements the savory chicken.

Unlike traditional heavy barbecue dishes that can feel overly rich or greasy, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad keeps things light and refreshing. The salad components—romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and avocado—provide a crisp, hydrating contrast to the grilled chicken. This balance of flavors and textures makes the dish stand out as both satisfying and nourishing, ideal for those seeking a meal that doesn’t sacrifice healthfulness for taste.

Another aspect that sets this recipe apart is its adaptability. It’s naturally gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions, but it can also be modified to suit other preferences. For example, the dressing ingredients can be adjusted to reduce sugar or fat content, and additional toppings like nuts or seeds can be added for extra crunch. Whether served as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or part of a larger spread, this salad is versatile enough to fit into a variety of mealtime situations.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings its own set of nutritional benefits, making the dish not just flavorful but also highly nutritious. Starting with the chicken thighs, they are an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Chicken thighs also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and zinc, which contribute to overall health and energy metabolism.

The salad’s green base, consisting of romaine and butter lettuce, is rich in vitamins A and K. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision and immune function, while vitamin K plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. Both types of lettuce are also hydrating and low in calories, making them ideal for weight management and digestive health.

Red onions add both flavor and nutritional value to the salad. They are a good source of antioxidants, including quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood pressure. Red onions also provide vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vitality.

Cherry tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Lycopene is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Tomatoes also provide vitamin C, potassium, and folate, all of which support heart health and overall wellness.

Cucumbers are known for their high water content, helping to keep the body hydrated. They also provide a modest amount of fiber, vitamins K and C, and antioxidants that contribute to skin health and digestive regularity.

Avocado is one of the healthiest fats you can include in a meal. Rich in monounsaturated fats, avocados help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support heart health. They also offer potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and fiber, which promotes gut health. Avocados contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E, K, and several B vitamins, supporting everything from skin health to energy production.

The dressing ingredients also offer their own benefits. Olive oil is well-known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Apple cider vinegar can help with blood sugar regulation and digestion, while Dijon mustard adds flavor with minimal calories. Honey, in small amounts, provides natural sweetness and contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Garlic adds flavor along with health benefits such as immune support and reduced inflammation.

Cooking Tips

While BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is straightforward to prepare, a few key tips can help you get the best results every time. First, it’s important to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire while cooking the chicken.

When marinating the chicken, ensure that all pieces are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mix. Letting the chicken sit for at least 15–20 minutes before grilling allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy skewer.

Using a grill pan or an outdoor grill, preheat it thoroughly before adding the skewers. A hot grill ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and develops a nice char without becoming dry. Chicken thighs are forgiving when it comes to cooking, but it’s still essential not to overcook them. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through while remaining tender.

For the salad components, chop the lettuce and vegetables just before serving to maintain their freshness and crispness. When slicing avocado, it’s best to do so right before assembling the salad to prevent browning.

As for the dressing, whisking it until emulsified ensures that the oil and vinegar blend together smoothly. You can also prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to shake or whisk it again before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a complete meal on its own, but there are several ways to serve it that can enhance the dining experience. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. The smoky flavors of the grilled vegetables complement the barbecue chicken perfectly.

If you’re serving the salad as part of a larger meal, it pairs well with a bowl of soup such as gazpacho or a light vegetable broth. The contrast between the cool, fresh salad and warm soup makes for a satisfying and balanced combination.

For entertaining or meal prepping, you can prepare the chicken skewers in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. This makes it easy to put together a quick and healthy meal without too much last-minute effort.

For those looking to add a bit of crunch, consider topping the salad with roasted nuts or seeds such as sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. These not only add texture but also increase the nutritional content of the meal.

If you prefer a dairy component, crumbled feta or goat cheese can be sprinkled over the salad for extra richness and flavor. The tangy cheese pairs well with the barbecue seasoning and the honey-mustard dressing.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a full, nourishing meal that brings together the best of grilled barbecue flavors and fresh, crisp vegetables. With its protein-packed grilled chicken, hydrating greens, nutrient-rich vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, this salad offers a balanced and satisfying eating experience. It’s an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping, thanks to its versatility and ease of preparation.

This recipe stands out for its bold, smoky flavors and its adaptability to various dietary needs, including gluten-free preferences. The ingredients are simple, yet thoughtfully combined to create a dish that is both flavorful and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad delivers on both taste and health benefits. With minimal preparation time, a balance of textures, and an array of nutrients, it’s a recipe that can easily become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

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