This BBQ chicken skewer salad is a fun and tasty meal! With juicy grilled chicken, colorful veggies, and a fresh dressing, it’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your health.
You can whip this salad up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights! I love piling on extra veggies and sneaking in some grilled corn. It feels like a summer picnic on my plate! 🌽🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast is perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a swap, try turkey breast or tofu for a vegetarian option. Both soak up flavors well!
BBQ Sauce: Opt for a low-sugar BBQ sauce to keep it healthier. You can also make your own with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices if you’re up for it! It’s a great way to customize flavors.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch, but any leafy greens like spinach or kale work too! If you like a milder taste, try iceberg lettuce.
Grilled Corn: Fresh grilled corn is delightful, but if it’s off-season, use canned or frozen corn. Just make sure to drain it well!
Greek Yogurt: This is the base for the dressing. If you’re dairy-free, substitute it with coconut yogurt or a tahini-based dressing for creaminess.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken Skewers Without Overcooking?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can turn out juicy chicken every time. The key is to ensure even cooking and avoid dryness.
- Preheat your grill well, and use medium-high heat. This helps to sear the chicken quickly and keep it moist.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
- Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of grilling to add flavor without burning.
- Check doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be white and juices should run clear. Aim for around 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Easy Healthy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 wooden or metal skewers
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose a healthy, low-sugar variety if possible)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn, grilled and kernels removed)
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil for grilling
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ chicken skewer salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to grill the chicken. Overall, you’re looking at just 30-35 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to help prevent burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
2. Thread the Chicken:
Take the chicken cubes and thread them evenly onto the skewers. This will help them cook uniformly and stay juicy.
3. Preheat Your Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan hot by preheating it over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. During the last 2-3 minutes, baste the chicken with BBQ sauce to add flavor and create a nice glaze.
5. Prepare the Salad:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a large bowl and combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, diced avocado, black beans, and sliced green onions. Mix them well to create a colorful salad.
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, honey (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing adds a nice zing to your salad!
7. Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle your dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until it’s well combined and coated with the dressing.
8. Serve It Up:
Top the salad with the grilled BBQ chicken skewers for a delightful presentation and added protein.
9. Final Touches:
Garnish with extra fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your vibrant, healthy BBQ chicken skewer salad!
This salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to be a hit with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Healthy BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly. For tofu, make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before grilling.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan-Friendly?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers or used marinated chickpeas. For the dressing, swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or tahini for creaminess!
Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess. The salad can be stored in the fridge for about 2 days, and the chicken skewers can be grilled ahead and reheated.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat. Reheat any leftover chicken skewers in the microwave or on the grill before serving.
