Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

The Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the perfect solution for warm-weather meals when you want something fresh yet satisfying. Juicy marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and served on a bed of crisp romaine, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado for a well-balanced dish. The real star of this recipe is the creamy dill dressing, which ties every bite together with tangy herbaceous flavor.

This dish is a winner for meal prep or casual backyard dinners. You can serve the chicken straight from the grill or chilled for a refreshing lunch the next day. Best of all, it’s a customizable base, feel free to add grilled corn, radishes, or even pickled onions for a twist. Healthy, colorful, and packed with protein, this salad will become a go-to favorite in no time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Skewers:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Wooden skewers, soaked in water

For the Salad:

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with avocado oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Thread the chicken pieces onto soaked skewers.
Grill skewers for 4–5 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and charred slightly.
While chicken cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble salad in a large bowl or platter with romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, avocado, and feta.
Once cooked, remove chicken from skewers and place over salad.
Drizzle with dill dressing just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing

Summer meals are all about simplicity, bold flavors, and dishes that feel both nourishing and refreshing. The Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad fits this season perfectly, offering a vibrant combination of marinated chicken thighs grilled to smoky perfection and served on a bed of fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a herby homemade dill dressing. It’s a dish that balances health-conscious ingredients with hearty satisfaction, making it ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts.

This salad isn’t just another leafy bowl, it’s a full meal in one. The juicy BBQ chicken skewers add the protein punch needed to make the salad filling, while the fresh vegetables bring in crunch, color, and nutrients. With a creamy dressing that pulls it all together, you’re not only indulging in something tasty but also staying on track with your healthy eating goals.

Whether you’re trying to eat clean, follow a Whole30 plan, or just want to switch up your salad routine, this recipe is a strong contender. It’s gluten-free, low in carbs, and made from wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, which makes it even more appealing.

Why This Salad Works So Well

The secret to any great salad is layering flavors and textures in a way that each bite feels balanced. This grilled chicken skewer salad does just that. Let’s break down why this dish is so satisfying:

1. Grilled Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are used instead of breasts because they retain moisture better, especially on the grill. They’re marinated in a smoky, paprika-spiced mixture that brings out a natural BBQ flavor even without a sugary barbecue sauce. The charring from the grill adds depth and character to the meat, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.

2. Crunchy and Fresh Base

Chopped romaine is the base of the salad, offering a satisfying crunch. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet pop, cucumbers give a refreshing bite, red onions add zing, and avocado offers creaminess. The feta cheese, while optional, adds a salty tang that complements the other flavors.

3. Creamy Dill Dressing

The dressing is light yet flavorful, combining mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for creaminess, apple cider vinegar for acidity, and lots of fresh dill for that vibrant herbaceous kick. It’s simple to make and holds the salad together without overpowering the ingredients. It also doubles as a fantastic dip or sandwich spread.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Entertaining

Another thing that makes this recipe stand out is how well it lends itself to meal prep. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and even grill the skewers in advance. Store them in the fridge and assemble the salad fresh when you’re ready to eat. The dressing keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge, so you can use it throughout the week.

If you’re entertaining, these skewers make an eye-catching centerpiece when served over a big salad platter. Guests can build their own bowls, and you can easily scale up the recipe depending on the crowd size. Consider setting up a salad bar with optional toppings like grilled corn, black beans, or pickled onions for a personalized touch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the ingredients that make this salad so nutritious and flavorful:

Chicken Thighs: Rich in flavor and essential nutrients like protein, zinc, and B vitamins. They stay juicy and tender when grilled.
Romaine Lettuce: A crunchy green that’s high in vitamin A and a refreshing alternative to darker leafy greens like kale or spinach.
Avocado: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber, avocado brings richness and smooth texture to the salad.
Fresh Dill: Not only does it add a clean, grassy flavor, but dill is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits.
Greek Yogurt: A great source of protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt adds creaminess to the dressing without the need for heavy cream or excess oil.

Customization Ideas

This salad is versatile enough to adapt to a variety of preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few creative ways to tweak it:

Swap the Protein: Try grilled shrimp, tofu, or even steak strips in place of the chicken.
Add Grains: Toss in some cooked quinoa or farro for extra fiber and substance.
Make it Dairy-Free: Omit the feta and use a dairy-free yogurt in the dressing.
Boost the Veggies: Add grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or shaved carrots for extra variety.
Spice it Up: Mix some hot sauce into the dressing or add jalapeño slices to the salad for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can easily serve as a stand-alone meal, but it also pairs well with other summer favorites. Here are a few serving ideas:

Serve with a side of grilled corn on the cob for a BBQ-style dinner.
Pair with a light soup like gazpacho or cucumber mint soup.
Offer pita chips or naan bread on the side for a Mediterranean touch.
Turn it into a wrap using whole grain tortillas or lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch option.

If you’re hosting guests, consider serving this salad family-style on a large platter with the dressing on the side so people can drizzle as they like. The colors alone will draw people in, and the flavors will keep them coming back for more.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad hits a lot of the key nutritional boxes:

High Protein: With grilled chicken and Greek yogurt, you’re getting a good dose of protein per serving that is ideal for muscle recovery and fullness.
Low Carb: No croutons or bread-based additions, making it a smart choice for low-carb eaters.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil offer essential fats that support cardiovascular health.
Rich in Fiber: The combination of leafy greens, vegetables, and avocado ensures fiber for digestive health.
Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Fresh dill, vinegar, and yogurt all contribute to reducing inflammation and supporting gut health.

Conclusion

The Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing is more than just a salad, it’s a vibrant, protein-packed meal that delivers big on flavor without compromising on health. Whether you’re eating it freshly assembled or enjoying leftovers the next day, it remains satisfying and refreshing. Its flexibility and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal-prepping for the week ahead.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. So fire up that grill, chop those veggies, and whip up a bowl that’s not only delicious but good for your body too.

Pin3

3 Shares