BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe with you—it’s become one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, flavorful, and a bit different from the usual grilled chicken. What makes it stand out is the smoky, tangy BBQ chicken paired with a creamy, herb-packed ranch that’s actually Whole30 compliant if you want it to be! It’s perfect for warm evenings or casual get-togethers when you need a salad that feels like a full meal but doesn’t bog you down.

Trust me, this recipe strikes a beautiful balance between smoky, tangy, and bright with herbs. I love how easy the chicken skewers are to grill while the salad stays crisp and fresh. Plus, the herby ranch dressing is a showstopper—you won’t miss the store-bought version one bit. If you’re looking for a vibrant BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe to add some wow factor to your weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, this is exactly what you want.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in layering flavors and textures—from the tender chicken grilled to perfection to the fresh herbs in the ranch and the crisp vegetables in the salad. I recommend using fresh herbs and quality BBQ sauce for the best results.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to grill quickly and soak up the BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Avocado oil: Great for a neutral flavor and high heat cooking. Also used in the dressing for creaminess.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• BBQ sauce (I use Primal Kitchen): Look for one with clean ingredients and good smoky depth.
• Wooden skewers (6-inch): Soak these for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
• Light tasting oil (avocado or light olive oil) for the ranch: Keeps the dressing smooth without overpowering flavors.
• Egg: Helps emulsify the homemade ranch; omit if you opt for store-bought mayo.
• Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess while keeping the dressing dairy-free.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the ranch with fresh acidity.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds a nice tanginess to balance the richness.
• Onion powder & garlic: Classic flavor boosters that give the ranch depth.
• Fresh dill and parsley: Aromatic herbs that make the ranch really sing.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.
• Corn (ears): Grilled until lightly charred, adds sweetness and crunch. Omit for Whole30.
• Romaine lettuce (thinly sliced): Crisp base for the salad.
• Green onions (green parts only): Mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
• Grape tomatoes (quartered): Juicy burst of freshness.
• Black beans: Adds protein and a creamy texture. Skip for Whole30.
• Fresh cilantro and basil: More fresh herbs to brighten every bite.
• Avocado: Creamy texture to balance the tangy BBQ and crunchy salad components.

Variations

One of the best parts about this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your tastes or dietary needs. I often swap in different herbs or add extra veggies depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand.

• Whole30 Friendly: I make sure to omit corn and black beans and use compliant BBQ sauce for a guilt-free, clean eat.
• Veggie-Packed: Sometimes I sneak in diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for added color and crunch—my kids actually love that.
• Spicy Kick: Adding some red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or ranch gives a nice little heat kick that wakes up the salad.
• Grill Swap: If you don’t have a grill, I’ve had great luck cooking the skewers in a grill pan or broiling them under high heat in the oven.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and soak up all that BBQ goodness. Toss them with avocado oil and kosher salt, then thread them onto your soaked wooden skewers. Brush or toss them generously with your BBQ sauce and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes if you can; this little rest time really amps up the flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Herby Ranch Dressing

In a blender or a bowl if you’re feeling old school, blend the light tasting oil, egg, coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt until silky smooth. Add in your onion powder, minced garlic, fresh dill, parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper, and pulse or stir gently until all the herbs are well combined. Taste and adjust salt or acidity if needed. This dressing is fresh, creamy, and herbaceous, a perfect balance to the smoky BBQ chicken.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers and Corn

Heat your grill to medium-high and cook the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). At the same time, toss your ears of corn with avocado oil and grill until lightly charred, turning occasionally. If you’re skipping corn for Whole30 or preference, no worries—the salad will still shine.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Slice the grilled corn kernels off the cob once cool enough to handle. In a large bowl, toss your sliced romaine lettuce, green onions, quartered grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), chopped cilantro, chopped basil, diced avocado, and corn kernels. Give it a gentle toss so everything is well mixed but not mushy.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Drizzle your herby ranch dressing over the salad—start with a few tablespoons and add more if you like it saucy. Arrange the grilled BBQ chicken skewers on top or chopped off the skewers, and toss lightly or leave as a topping for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy that wonderful mix of warm chicken and crisp salad.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like dill or parsley right before serving—it makes the salad feel bright and fresh. Some toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed nuts can add a little crunch and extra flavor contrast. If you’re into a bit of heat, a few thinly sliced fresh jalapeños on top are fantastic.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it light and simple—maybe a crusty baguette or grilled sweet potatoes if I want something heartier. A chilled cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw can complement the BBQ notes beautifully. If you want to keep it low-carb, just serve with extra grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini ribbons.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I’ve skewered smaller chicken bites so guests can grab and eat easily. Serving the salad in large mason jars layered with chicken on top makes a colorful, grab-and-go option great for picnics or packed lunches. I’ve also tried drizzling the ranch in a pretty spiral over the skewers for a restaurant-style plate that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken skewers and salad components separate for best texture. I store the grilled chicken wrapped in foil in the fridge and the salad in an airtight container without dressing. The herby ranch keeps well in a jar for a few days, so you can dress the salad only when ready to serve.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the salad because fresh greens get soggy, but the BBQ chicken skewers freeze beautifully. I place them in a freezer-safe bag flat so they thaw quickly when I want to reheat them for another salad night or quick meal.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken skewers, I pop them in a hot oven for 8-10 minutes or use a quick stovetop sear to refresh their smoky char. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying out. Dress the salad only after reheating the chicken to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a special occasion but comes together with everyday ease. It’s become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s flexible, packed with flavors, and invites you to eat fresh and healthy without sacrificing taste. If you try it—even once—I bet it’ll become one of your easy crowd-pleasers too. So next time you want to impress without stress, give this recipe a go and enjoy all the compliments that come with it!

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