BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

A light, smoky spin on a classic favorite: juicy BBQ chicken skewers nestled on a vibrant bed of crisp greens, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with a tangy lime‑cilantro dressing. Perfect for sunny lunches or laid‑back dinners—trust me, you’re going to love this summer dinner! Whether you’re looking for health dinner recipes or something bold for your next healthy meal prep, this one ticks all the boxes.

Psst… if you love grilled chicken, don’t miss our Ultimate Grilled Chicken Wings Guide for another flavor-packed idea!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Grill‑kissed BBQ chicken with that irresistible BBQ char
  • A flavor-packed dressing that ties everything together
  • Crunchy and fresh veggies for a satisfying, healthy bite
  • Customizable and easy — great for summer recipes dinner or entertaining
  • Ideal for plats healthy and salad pasta lovers alike

Recipe Snapshot

Prep TimeCook TimeServingsDifficulty
15 mins12 mins2–4Easy

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast or thigh pieces – tender, juicy, and perfect for skewers
  • Barbecue sauce – adds that smoky, sweet glaze
  • Mixed salad greens – for a crisp, fresh base
  • Corn kernels – sweet crunch with a charred flavor boost
  • Cherry tomatoes – bursts of juicy, vibrant color
  • Avocado chunks – adds creamy richness
  • Red onion slices – sharp bite to balance the sweetness
  • Cilantro leaves – fresh herbal aroma
  • Lime – for zesty tang in the dressing
  • Olive oil – smooth body and helps emulsify the dressing
  • Honey or agave – a touch of natural sweetness
  • Salt & pepper – to taste

Scroll down for the full recipe card with measurements!

How to Make

Preheat & Marinate

  1. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium‑high.
  2. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers and brush liberally with sticky barbecue sauce. Set aside to marinate while you prep the salad.

Grill the Chicken

  1. Cook skewers for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing again with BBQ sauce, until chicken is juicy and charred. Remove and let rest.

Crisp the Corn

  1. Toss corn kernels with a light drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 2–3 minutes until charred bits appear. Cool slightly.

Whisk the Dressing

  1. In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, a squirt of honey or agave, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well emulsified.

Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl: layer salad greens, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado chunks, and thin red onion.
  2. Slice chicken skewers and place on top.
  3. Drizzle with the lime‑cilantro dressing, gently toss, and garnish with extra cilantro.

Pro Tips

  • Let the chicken rest briefly after grilling to keep it juicy.
  • Want extra crunch? Toss in some grilled bell pepper or cucumber slices.
  • For a smoky touch, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika into the dressing.

Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Kick: add a dash of chili flakes or chipotle BBQ sauce.
  • Mediterranean Twist: swap BBQ sauce for tzatziki marinade and top with feta crumbles.
  • Vegan Version: replace chicken with grilled marinated tofu or tempeh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this BBQ chicken skewer salad on a big platter for Sommer mad gatherings, or portion it into containers for healthy meal prep. Add warm pita wedges or some salad pasta on the side for a full meal.

Want more salad inspo? Try our zesty Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad for a spicy, flavor-packed twist!

Make‑Ahead, Storage & Reheating

  • Make‑ahead: Prep the chicken and salad components separately; store in airtight containers in the fridge (up to 3 days).
  • Leftovers: Best enjoyed cold or lightly reheated (chicken can be warmed in a pan over low heat).
  • Freezing? Not recommended for the salad — fresh textures are key!

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes—and it’ll stay extra juicy. Just adjust grill time to about 8 minutes per side.

Q: How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss avocado pieces with a bit of lime juice before assembling the salad.

Q: Can I make this gluten‑free?
Absolutely—just choose a gluten‑free BBQ sauce.

Q: What can I swap for corn if it’s off‑season?
Use grilled zucchini or cucumber for a light, crisp alternative.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is Sommer Mad perfection—balanced, flavorful, and oh-so-easy. With juicy BBQ chicken, charred corn, zingy dressing, and crisp veggies, it checks all the boxes for your next health dinner, summer dinner, or even a vibrant salad pasta creation. Make it once, and you’ll be dreaming of it every weekend. Keep vibing with flavor, friends!

BBQ chicken skewer salad on wooden plate with colorful toppings
ChefMaster Emily

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe

Juicy BBQ chicken skewers, smoky grilled corn, crisp greens, creamy avocado, and a tangy lime-cilantro dressing—this salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed celebration of summer meals and healthy comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Salad
Cuisine: American, Grilled
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Skewers
  • Chicken breast or thigh pieces cut into skewer-sized chunks
  • Barbecue sauce
For the Salad
  • Mixed salad greens
  • Corn kernels grilled or charred
  • Cherry tomatoes halved
  • Avocado chunks
  • Red onion slices thinly sliced
  • Cilantro leaves for garnish
For the Dressing
  • Lime juice
  • Olive oil
  • Honey or agave
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Skewers
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Salad bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high. Thread chicken onto skewers and brush with barbecue sauce. Set aside to marinate.
  2. Grill the skewers for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing again with BBQ sauce until charred and cooked through. Let rest.
  3. Grill corn kernels with a light drizzle of oil until slightly charred. Set aside to cool.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey/agave, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. In a large bowl, layer salad greens, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Top with sliced chicken skewers.
  6. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and garnish with cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

Let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Customize with feta, grilled veggies, or spicy sauce. Not suitable for freezing—best enjoyed fresh.