Can I make the herby ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The herby ranch dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to develop more fully, resulting in an even more delicious dressing.

What's the best way to prepare the wooden skewers?

To prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This helps them withstand the high heat of the grill without charring too quickly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and often provide more moisture and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions, though they may need an extra minute or two on the grill.

Is there a store-bought alternative for the herby ranch dressing?

Yes, you can use a cup of store-bought mayonnaise as the base instead of making it from scratch with oil and egg. Simply mix the mayo with the remaining dressing ingredients (coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, seasonings, and herbs) for a quicker version.

How can I make this dish Whole30 compliant?

To make this dish Whole30 compliant, simply omit the corn and black beans from the salad. Also ensure your BBQ sauce is Whole30 approved (like the Primal Kitchen brand mentioned) and that your mayonnaise (if using store-bought) contains compliant ingredients.

Can I prepare components of this meal in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken for 4-8 hours in advance, make the dressing up to a week ahead, and prep most of the vegetables the day before. Just wait to cut the avocado until serving time to prevent browning, and assemble everything just before serving for the freshest results.

Grilled Chicken Skewer Salad

Group: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

This vibrant dish combines juicy BBQ-marinated chicken skewers with a colorful, fresh salad. Chicken breast pieces are pounded thin, cubed, marinated in BBQ sauce, then grilled to perfection. The accompanying salad features grilled corn, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, and avocado, all tossed in a homemade herby ranch dressing made with fresh dill and parsley. The result is a balanced meal with smoky, sweet and tangy flavors complemented by the cool, creamy dressing. It's perfect for summer dining and can be adapted for Whole30 by omitting corn and beans.

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Written By Kyle Smith

Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 11:22:17 GMT

Piatti di pollo con verdure. | ricettefatteincasa.com

This BBQ chicken skewer salad combines juicy grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and a homemade herby ranch dressing for a complete meal that's both satisfying and refreshing. The smoky charred corn and tangy BBQ sauce create layers of flavor that elevate this salad beyond ordinary.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hot summer when I wanted something substantial yet refreshing. My family now requests it whenever we fire up the grill. The combination of smoky grilled elements with crisp fresh vegetables strikes the perfect balance.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts provides lean protein that takes on BBQ flavors beautifully
BBQ sauce creates that sweet smoky flavor everyone loves choose a high quality brand for best results
Fresh corn adds natural sweetness and a delightful charred flavor when grilled
Romaine lettuce offers the perfect crisp base that stands up well to the hearty toppings
Avocado contributes creamy richness and healthy fats that make the salad more satisfying
Fresh herbs including dill parsley cilantro and basil bring brightness and complexity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Pound chicken to even thickness then cube into 2inch pieces for quicker cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Mix with oil salt and BBQ sauce allowing at least 20 minutes for the flavors to penetrate the meat. The acid in the BBQ sauce helps tenderize while the oil prevents sticking during grilling.
Make the Herby Ranch: Create a mayo base using the immersion blender technique which creates the perfect emulsion in seconds. Add coconut milk and seasonings to thin the dressing while maintaining creaminess. Finish with fresh herbs which provide little bursts of flavor throughout the salad. The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated making meal assembly quicker.
Grill the Components: Oil and season corn before placing on a medium high grill to develop sweet caramelization. Thread marinated chicken onto presoaked skewers which helps with even cooking and easy turning. Baste with additional BBQ sauce after flipping to create a delicious sticky glaze while keeping the meat juicy.
Assemble the Salad: Combine lettuce green onions tomatoes beans and herbs in a large bowl which allows ample space for thorough tossing. Add just enough dressing to coat without drowning the ingredients. Gently incorporate the grilled corn and avocado last to maintain their texture and prevent mushiness.

The herby ranch dressing is truly what makes this salad special. I discovered the immersion blender technique after years of failed mayo attempts, and it revolutionized my homemade dressings. The combination of fresh dill and parsley creates a ranch flavor that store-bought versions simply cannot match.

Make Ahead Options

This salad works beautifully for meal prep with some strategic assembly. The herby ranch dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be marinated overnight, making dinner prep much faster the next day. For the freshest presentation, grill the chicken and corn up to two days ahead, but assemble the salad components just before serving.

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can easily accommodate various dietary needs. For a Whole30 compliant version, simply omit the corn and black beans as indicated in the recipe. Those following a paleo diet should make the same adjustments. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, which both absorb the BBQ marinade beautifully and provide a satisfying texture.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this into a complete southwestern-inspired meal by serving with a side of plantain chips or sweet potato wedges. For a lighter presentation, serve the salad in butter lettuce cups as handheld wraps. The leftovers also make an excellent filling for lunch wraps the next day simply roll in a large tortilla with an extra drizzle of ranch dressing.

Seasonal Variations

During peak corn season use fresh sweet corn for the best flavor and texture. In winter substitute roasted sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist. When tomatoes are out of season consider using roasted red peppers for concentrated flavor. The dressing can be adapted with seasonal herbs depending on availability try adding tarragon in spring or sage in fall.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I make the herby ranch dressing ahead of time?: Yes! The herby ranch dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to develop more fully, resulting in an even more delicious dressing.
→ What's the best way to prepare the wooden skewers?: To prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This helps them withstand the high heat of the grill without charring too quickly.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and often provide more moisture and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions, though they may need an extra minute or two on the grill.
→ Is there a store-bought alternative for the herby ranch dressing?: Yes, you can use a cup of store-bought mayonnaise as the base instead of making it from scratch with oil and egg. Simply mix the mayo with the remaining dressing ingredients (coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, seasonings, and herbs) for a quicker version.
→ How can I make this dish Whole30 compliant?: To make this dish Whole30 compliant, simply omit the corn and black beans from the salad. Also ensure your BBQ sauce is Whole30 approved (like the Primal Kitchen brand mentioned) and that your mayonnaise (if using store-bought) contains compliant ingredients.
→ Can I prepare components of this meal in advance?: Yes! You can marinate the chicken for 4-8 hours in advance, make the dressing up to a week ahead, and prep most of the vegetables the day before. Just wait to cut the avocado until serving time to prevent browning, and assemble everything just before serving for the freshest results.

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Grilled BBQ chicken skewers atop a vibrant salad of corn, romaine, tomatoes and avocado with homemade herby ranch dressing.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cooking Duration

15 minutes

Overall Time

35 minutes

Written By: Kyle Smith

Recipe Type: Salads

Skill Level: Moderate Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: American BBQ

Servings Made: 4 Serving Size (4 generous salad portions with chicken skewers)

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients You'll Need

→ For the Chicken Skewers

Ingredient 01 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Ingredient 02 3 tbsp avocado oil

Ingredient 03 1 tsp kosher salt

Ingredient 04 2 cups bbq sauce

Ingredient 05 8 wooden skewers (6-inch), pre-soaked

→ For the W30 Herby Ranch

Ingredient 06 1 cup light tasting avocado oil

Ingredient 07 1 egg

Ingredient 08 ½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk

Ingredient 09 2 tbsp lemon juice

Ingredient 10 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Ingredient 11 1 tsp kosher salt

Ingredient 12 1 tsp onion powder

Ingredient 13 2 cloves garlic, minced

Ingredient 14 ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds

Ingredient 15 ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Ingredient 16 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

→ For the Salad

Ingredient 17 4 ears corn

Ingredient 18 2 tbsp avocado oil

Ingredient 19 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce

Ingredient 20 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only)

Ingredient 21 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes

Ingredient 22 1 can (15-ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed

Ingredient 23 ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves

Ingredient 24 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves

Ingredient 25 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Pound chicken breasts to a uniform ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. Cut into 2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Add avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of bbq sauce, stirring until well combined. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.

Step 02

Pour avocado oil into a wide mouth jar. Add egg and let sink to the bottom. Insert immersion blender, resting the blade on the yolk. Hold in place until a thick white mayo forms at the bottom (about 10 seconds), then slowly move the blender up and down until fully emulsified. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic, blending again to combine. Stir in dill, parsley and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 03

Drizzle corn with avocado oil and rub to coat evenly. Heat grill to medium-high (350-400°F). Oil the grill grates by wiping with a paper towel dipped in oil, using tongs to avoid flare-ups.

Step 04

Place corn on hot grill and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2 minutes. Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked skewers and place on grill. Cook first side for 3-4 minutes until grill marks form. Flip skewers, baste grilled side with reserved BBQ sauce, and continue cooking 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through with grill marks on both sides. Keep grill closed as much as possible during cooking. Remove corn and chicken from grill and let corn cool until safe to handle.

Step 05

In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro and basil. Add desired amount of herby ranch dressing and toss until lettuce is well coated. Cut cooled corn kernels from cobs and add to salad along with diced avocado, gently tossing to combine.

Step 06

Arrange salad on plates and top with BBQ chicken skewers. Serve immediately.

Additional Information

For Whole30 compliance, omit corn and black beans from the salad.
Store-bought mayo can be substituted for the homemade version. Use 1 cup of light-flavored mayo and omit the egg and oil.
The herby ranch dressing keeps for up to one week when refrigerated.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Meat mallet or heavy skillet
Immersion blender
Grill
Wooden skewers
Tongs
Large mixing bowl

Allergen Information

Always double-check ingredient labels and consult an expert if you're uncertain.

Contains egg
Contains coconut milk

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutritional details are provided as a guide and shouldn't replace professional advice.

Calorie Count: 625
Fat Amount: 32 grams
Carbohydrate Amount: 38 grams
Protein Amount: 48 grams