Description
This flavorful BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines tender grilled chicken skewers coated in smoky BBQ sauce with a fresh, herbaceous W30 Herby Ranch dressing. Served over crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, grape tomatoes, black beans, and topped with ripe avocado, it offers a perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and tangy flavors for a satisfying meal or quick dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups bbq sauce (Primal Kitchen brand recommended)
- 8 wooden skewers (6-inch, pre-soaked)
For the W30 Herby Ranch:
- 1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado or light olive oil)
- 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Salad:
- 4 ears corn (omit for Whole30)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 8 cups romaine lettuce (thinly sliced) or 2 small heads
- 6 green onions (thinly sliced, green parts only)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes (quartered)
- 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed; omit for Whole30)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
- 1 ripe avocado (peeled, seed removed, diced)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:Using a meat mallet or heavy skillet, pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch cubes and place in a large bowl with avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir to coat well, then let marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours to develop flavor.
- Make the Herby-Ranch: Pour oil into a jar slightly larger than an immersion blender’s head. Crack the egg into the oil and let it sink. Use the immersion blender to emulsify into a mayonnaise, about 10 seconds. Slowly blend in coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic. Add the chopped dill, parsley, and black pepper, blending briefly. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Alternatively, substitute with store-bought light mayo (1 cup) and skip emulsification.
- Grill the corn and chicken: Toss the corn with avocado oil, then preheat grill to medium-high (350-400°F). Oil the grates by wiping with oiled paper towels. Grill corn approximately 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, grill the chicken skewers on each side for 3-4 minutes. Baste with BBQ sauce on one side and flip; cook until cooked through and grill marks form, an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare the salad: Remove the corn kernels from the cob and add to a large bowl with chopped romaine, green onions, cherry tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Toss with desired amount of Herby-Ranch dressing until well coated.
- Assemble and serve: Gently toss in diced avocado with the salad. Serve the grilled chicken skewers alongside the salad, with corn on top or mixed in, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference for a lighter or more coated salad.
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 8 hours) for more flavor.
- Omitting black beans makes it Whole30 compliant.
- Use pre-made light mayo for convenience or for Whole30, stick to the homemade Herby-Ranch.
- This recipe is gluten-free and pack with smoky, fresh flavors perfect for summer or anytime you crave grilled goodness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (including skewers and salad)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 110 mg