BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Elevate your meal prep with this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, featuring tender grilled chicken skewers glazed with a smoky BBQ sauce, nestled on a bed of fresh greens and vibrant vegetables. This colorful dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it the perfect appetizer or light lunch idea for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a delightful blend of grilled chicken and fresh vegetables.
A Perfect Summer Dish
As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, the desire for lighter, refreshing meals increases. The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad stands out as a perfect option for summer gatherings. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients not only delight the eyes but also satisfy the palate. Each bite of tender, grilled chicken, combined with crisp greens and juicy vegetables, offers a burst of flavors that encapsulates the essence of summer.
Moreover, this salad is incredibly versatile—ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and cook time, you can create a healthy meal that your family and friends will love. Grilled chicken skewers glazed with smoky BBQ sauce add a savory twist that transforms a simple salad into a hearty dish.
Nutrition Packed Flavor
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is not just a treat for the taste buds; it's also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of lean chicken breast provides a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of mixed greens and a variety of vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber, crucial for overall health and digestion.
Feta cheese not only complements the salad's flavor but also provides calcium and healthy fats. By incorporating a range of ingredients, this dish ensures that you're getting a well-balanced meal without compromising on taste. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing enjoyment.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you're looking to simplify your weekly meal prep, this salad is a fantastic choice. The chicken can be marinated in advance and grilled in bulk, then stored for quick assembly throughout the week. Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator. When hunger strikes, all you need to do is toss everything together, and your meal is ready in minutes.
This convenience makes the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a go-to option for busy individuals or families. Enjoy the benefits of a nutritious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it's easy to customize—experiment with different vegetables or dressings to keep things exciting, ensuring you'll never get bored with your lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients:
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewers
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Make sure to prepare everything before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad:
Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Skewers
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill the Chicken
Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Toss gently.
Serve
Remove the chicken from the skewers and place them on top of the salad. Sprinkle with feta cheese and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad even further, consider serving it with a side of homemade garlic bread or quinoa for added texture and taste. The fluffy bread makes an excellent pairing with the smoky flavors of the chicken and the freshness of the vegetables, creating a complete meal.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding jalapeños or a spicy dressing can kick the flavor profile up a notch. Alternatively, serving the salad in a large bowl for sharing encourages a communal atmosphere, perfect for summer parties or family dinners.
Storage Tips
Storing leftovers properly is crucial for maintaining taste and freshness. If you have any salad remaining after your meal, separate the chicken skewers from the salad ingredients to prevent wilting. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and consume it within three days for optimal taste and texture.
To enjoy your salad cold, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This method preserves the salad's crispness, allowing you to enjoy the freshness even the next day. Reheating the chicken skewers briefly in the microwave can bring back warmth and flavor, making it a delightful second-day meal.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad by incorporating different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, for a unique twist. Each alternative brings its own set of flavors and textures, catering to different dietary preferences while keeping the meal enjoyable and satisfying.
You can also switch up the types of vegetables used in the salad based on seasonal availability, allowing you to explore new flavors. For example, roasted sweet potatoes or avocados can add richness, while seasonal fruits like peaches or berries can introduce a touch of sweetness, perfect for a summer treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives.
→ How can I make this salad vegan?
You can replace chicken with grilled vegetables and omit the feta cheese.
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Elevate your meal prep with this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, featuring tender grilled chicken skewers glazed with a smoky BBQ sauce, nestled on a bed of fresh greens and vibrant vegetables. This colorful dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it the perfect appetizer or light lunch idea for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Skewers
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Toss gently.
Remove the chicken from the skewers and place them on top of the salad. Sprinkle with feta cheese and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g