BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad

There’s just something about a salad that feels right when the weather starts warming up. But we’re not talking about your average side salad with a few cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of dressing. This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a full-on meal. It’s hearty, colorful, and loaded with layers of flavor and texture—from smoky grilled chicken to crisp romaine, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a tangy, herby ranch dressing. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of fresh and satisfying.

This salad is inspired by the iconic BBQ Chicken Salad from California Pizza Kitchen, but this version feels even more vibrant, especially with the homemade Whole30-compliant Herby Ranch dressing that brings it all together. Whether you’re trying to eat clean, prep for the week ahead, or impress friends at your next cookout, this salad checks all the boxes.

I first made a version of this after a long weekend spent grilling with family. We had leftover BBQ chicken and I decided to turn it into a salad for lunch the next day. I threw together what I had in the fridge—some romaine, grilled corn, a bit of avocado—and topped it all with a ranch-style dressing I’d been experimenting with. One bite and I knew this needed to be a regular on our weekly meal plan. It’s since become a go-to for easy dinners and meal prep Sundays.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad game, grab your skewers and let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad isn’t just another healthy meal. It’s a crave-worthy combination of textures and flavors that make it feel more like a treat than a chore.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this salad:

• Easy to prepare: While it looks impressive, each component is straightforward to make, and many parts can be prepped in advance.
• Packed with flavor: Smoky BBQ chicken, sweet grilled corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado are brought together with a tangy, herb-laced ranch dressing that’s completely dairy-free.
• Nutrient-dense and filling: Thanks to lean protein, healthy fats, and a rainbow of veggies, this salad is not just delicious but super satisfying.
• Perfect for any season: While the grill adds a summery vibe, you can make the skewers indoors with a grill pan or oven broiler year-round.
• Meal prep-friendly: Cook everything ahead of time, then assemble when you’re ready to eat. It’s ideal for lunchboxes or weeknight dinners.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a fresh spin on your weekday meals, this salad is the answer.

Health Benefits

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad  brings more than just flavor to the table—it’s also loaded with nutritious ingredients that support a healthy lifestyle.

• Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a great source of low-fat protein, which helps build and repair muscle tissue and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocado and avocado oil offer healthy monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
• Fiber-Rich Veggies and Beans: Romaine lettuce, black beans, and corn provide fiber, which aids digestion and supports blood sugar regulation.
• Herbs for Immunity: Fresh dill, parsley, and cilantro not only brighten the flavor but also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Whole30 Compliant Option: When you omit corn and beans, this recipe fits perfectly into a Whole30 meal plan—free from dairy, grains, and added sugars.

This isn’t just a meal that tastes good—it makes you feel good, too.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

Nutritional Info (per serving):
Calories: 480
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 7g

Ingredients List

The Chicken Skewers

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (use a clean-ingredient version like Primal Kitchen)
• 8 wooden skewers (6-inch), soaked in water for at least 20 minutes

The Herby Ranch Dressing

• 1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado or light olive oil)
• 1 egg (omit if using store-bought Whole30 mayo)
• ½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

The Salad

• 4 ears of corn, grilled and kernels cut off (omit for Whole30)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 8 cups romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
• 6 green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Cut into 2-inch chunks and place in a large mixing bowl.
• Add avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of the BBQ sauce. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly.
• Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for 4–8 hours.

2. Make the Herby Ranch Dressing

• In a wide-mouth jar, add the light-tasting oil first.
• Crack the egg into the jar and allow it to settle at the bottom.
• Place an immersion blender at the bottom of the jar and blend without moving until it begins to emulsify. Once the base is creamy, move the blender up and down to fully combine.
• Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and minced garlic. Blend again until smooth.
• Stir in the chopped dill, parsley, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Prepare the Chicken Skewers

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
• Grill the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely grill marks.
• Brush with additional BBQ sauce during the final minutes of grilling for added flavor.

4. Grill the Corn

• Rub each ear of corn with a little avocado oil.
• Grill until charred and lightly browned, turning occasionally. This usually takes about 8 minutes.
• Let cool slightly, then slice the kernels off the cob.

5. Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, and avocado.
• Add the grilled corn kernels and toss everything together.
• Drizzle with the prepared Herby Ranch dressing and gently toss again.
• Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter, topped with the grilled chicken skewers.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while the chicken is warm for the best contrast in temperature and texture.
• Remove chicken from the skewers before serving for easier eating, especially for kids or meal prep.
• Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

Pairing Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Try it with roasted sweet potatoes, grilled pita bread, or a simple cucumber salad.
• Beverages: Pair it with iced mint tea, sparkling water with lime, or a cold glass of homemade lemonade.
• Kid-Friendly Option: Skip the herbs and serve the BBQ chicken with a side of romaine and avocado for a simplified version.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store the components separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the grilled chicken (without the salad) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the marinade: The chicken needs time to soak in all that flavor. Don’t rush this step.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep a close eye on the grill—dry chicken can ruin the whole experience.
• Overdressing the salad: Add the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
• Not draining the beans: Excess liquid from the can can water down your salad.
• Skipping the resting time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain its juices.

Pro Tips

• Use metal skewers if you don’t have time to soak wooden ones.
• Toast your corn on a grill pan if you’re cooking indoors.
• Make a double batch of the dressing—it’s great on sandwiches, roasted veggies, or as a dip.
• Prep all your veggies while the chicken is marinating to save time.
• If using store-bought mayo, simply stir in the herbs and spices for a quick shortcut dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, just make sure it has clean ingredients and no added sugar if you’re sticking to Whole30.

Is there a substitute for coconut milk in the dressing?
You can use almond milk or another dairy-free milk, but make sure it’s unsweetened.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare each component in advance and store separately. Assemble just before serving.

How can I make it spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken before grilling.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and full of flavor—just adjust the grilling time accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version?
Try using grilled tofu or tempeh with BBQ seasoning for a plant-based twist.

What’s the best way to grill indoors?
Use a grill pan or a broiler to get those charred edges without stepping outside.

Can I omit the egg in the dressing?
Yes. Use store-bought Whole30 mayo as a base instead.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch, though fresh will give you the best flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully for crowds and makes great leftovers.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is so much more than a salad—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re making it for a light family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or bringing something fresh to a potluck, this dish delivers every single time.

I’d love to see how yours turns out! Snap a photo and tag me or leave a comment letting me know what you think. And if you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again (like I do), don’t be surprised—this salad has a way of becoming a staple.

Now it’s your turn: fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and dive into a salad that’s anything but boring.

Print