BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing Recipe

There’s just something undeniably joyful about digging into a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing—imagine tender, smoky chicken, sweet grilled corn, and crisp romaine tossed with a creamy, herby ranch that ties every sunny flavor together. This salad is the vibrant, summery meal you’ll want to make on repeat, whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or simply treating your family to a fresh, colorful dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing is full of simple, wholesome favorites—think juicy chicken, snappy lettuce, and a creamy, flavor-packed ranch. Every item plays an essential part: color from the veggies, smokiness from the grill, and tangy richness from the homemade dressing.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are easy to cube and grill, soaking up the BBQ marinade beautifully.
• Avocado oil: Adds richness and helps everything grill with a lovely sear—plus, it has a high smoke point!
• Kosher salt: Essential to season every layer and bring out the best in the chicken and dressing.
• BBQ sauce: Opt for your favorite brand—smoky, sweet, or spicy—for a customizable punch of flavor (Primal Kitchen is a great Whole30-friendly pick).
• Wooden skewers: Pre-soaked to keep them from burning on the grill.
• Egg + oil (for herby ranch): The base for a quick, creamy homemade mayo—use light-tasting oils like avocado or light olive for the best flavor, or sub in store-bought light mayo if you’re short on time.
• Unsweetened full fat coconut milk: This gives the ranch a super creamy, dairy-free richness without coconut flavor.
• Lemon juice & red wine vinegar: For brightness and zip.
• Fresh dill & parsley: The heart of “herby”—fresh herbs deliver unbeatable garden-fresh flavor.
• Onion powder, garlic, and black pepper: Everything you want in a ranch, delivering savory depth and gentle heat.
• Fresh corn: Grilled until golden and smoky; if you’re skipping corn for Whole30, the salad still shines!
• Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it’s the perfect backdrop for all these bold toppings.
• Green onions: Just the green parts—they add a gentle bite without overpowering.
• Grape tomatoes: Little bursts of juiciness and color in every forkful.
• Black beans (optional): For a little extra plant-based protein and creamy texture—simply omit for Whole30.
• Cilantro & basil: These fresh herbs mingle with the veggies for a pop of flavor and aroma.
• Avocado: Creamy, buttery bites tucked throughout the salad—absolute salad luxury!

Variations

One of the true joys of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing is how easy it is to riff on—just swap, add, or subtract depending on your mood, what’s in your fridge, or any dietary preferences. Here are a few favorite ways to make it your own!

• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or even hearty portobello mushrooms for smoky, savory flavor without the meat.
• Whole30/Paleo Swap: Omit the corn and black beans, and double down on grilled veggies like zucchini, bell pepper, or cauliflower florets.
• Different Proteins: Try marinated shrimp, salmon skewers, or even thinly sliced steak for a protein-packed spin.
• Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle chili powder to your BBQ sauce or dressing for a subtle kick.
• Dairy-Lover’s Dream: Toss in some crumbled feta or Cotija cheese if dairy is on the menu—you’ll love the salty contrast.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness—this helps every piece cook evenly and stay juicy. Cube the chicken into generous 2-inch pieces, then toss them in a bowl with avocado oil, kosher salt, and a swoosh of your favorite BBQ sauce. Let the flavors mingle for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or pop the bowl in the fridge to marinate for up to 8 hours if you want to get ahead.

Step 2: Make the Herby Ranch Dressing

Pour your oil into a wide-mouth jar and crack in an egg. Using an immersion blender, blend on the bottom until a thick, creamy mayo forms—seriously, it takes just seconds and feels like kitchen magic! Add coconut milk, lemon, vinegar, salt, and those classic ranch spices, then blend again for a cloud-like dressing. Finally, stir in lush bunches of dill and parsley, plus pepper. Chill until you’re ready to serve—the flavor gets even better as it sits.

Step 3: Prep the Grill and Veggies

Light your grill to medium-high (350–400°F) and give those grates a swipe of oiled paper towel—this prevents sticking and ensures perfect grill marks. Coat your corn with avocado oil for that golden, roasted finish. Get your skewers assembled with the marinated chicken, and you’re set for grilling greatness.

Step 4: Grill Chicken and Corn

Place the corn and chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook the corn, giving it a quarter turn every couple of minutes, until warm and slightly charred (about 10–12 minutes). For the chicken, grill 3–4 minutes per side, basting with extra BBQ sauce for deep color and sticky-sweet glaze. When everything has great grill marks and the chicken is cooked through, set them aside to rest—the aroma is completely irresistible.

Step 5: Toss the Salad

In a big bowl, combine romaine, green onions, grape tomatoes, (optional) black beans, cilantro, and basil. Pour in a generous drizzle of your homemade herby ranch—start with less, add more to taste—and toss until every leaf glistens. Cut the kernels from your grilled corn and add them with creamy diced avocado, gently folding everything together for a vibrant, fresh salad that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the salad onto plates or a big platter, top with your stunning BBQ chicken skewers, and finish with any extra dressing or herbs. This is peak “Wow, you made this?!” territory—invite everyone to dig in and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing

Garnishes

Finish your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing with a flourish of extra chopped herbs—think dill, parsley, or cilantro—plus an extra crack of fresh black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on toasted seeds or even a pinch of flakey sea salt right before serving for a chef’s touch.

Side Dishes

While this salad truly shines as a stand-alone meal, you can make it a feast with warm crusty bread, grilled sweet potatoes, or a juicy wedge of watermelon on the side. A crisp, cold glass of sparkling water or lemonade is the perfect finishing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the salad onto a wooden board and serving the skewers upright, taverna-style, for ultimate dinner party fun. You can also thread smaller skewers and serve individual salads in mason jars for perfect picnics or meal prep. The color and layers always impress—let your creativity lead!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad (without the skewers) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days—the veggies stay crisp and the flavors deepen. Keep extra BBQ chicken skewers and herby ranch in separate containers for maximum freshness.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken skewers can be cooled and frozen for future salads or wraps (just seal them tightly and freeze for up to two months), the salad and ranch dressing are best enjoyed fresh for texture and flavor. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat BBQ chicken skewers, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Assemble with fresh salad and add the herby ranch just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels like pure sunshine on a plate, BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Dressing is your ticket. It’s satisfying, colorful, and brings a little bit of grilling magic to any table. Go ahead—invite your favorite people, fire up the grill, and discover just how delicious a simple salad can truly be!

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