Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen brand recommended); 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers, pre-soaked; 1 cup light tasting oil (avocado oil preferred, or light olive oil); 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo); ½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 4 ears corn (omit for Whole30); 2 tbsp avocado oil; 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (about 2 small heads); 6 green onions, thinly sliced (green part only); 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes (16 ounces); 1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30); ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves; 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves; 1 avocado, peeled, seed removed, and diced medium

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There’s just something about a BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe that feels like the ultimate summer dinner, yet it’s light enough to enjoy any time of year. I love how the juicy, smoky chicken pairs perfectly with a crisp, fresh salad and that herby ranch dressing brings everything together with a wonderful tang. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard get-together or just craving a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe hits the spot every time.

What makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe so special is how simple it is to pull together but still tastes like you put in a ton of effort. Plus, the homemade ranch dressing is a game changer — I’ve found it’s way fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make those skewers and that ranch on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is the balance: smoky chicken, fresh herbs, creamy ranch, and crunchy vegetables all in one bowl. I usually find everything at my local grocery store or farmer’s market, but soaking those wooden skewers is key to prevent burning when grilling!

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces so they cook evenly on the skewers.
Avocado oil: Perfect for grilling; it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and ranch dressing properly.
BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen preferred): I love Primal Kitchen for its clean ingredients and bold flavor.
Wooden skewers: Soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Light oil (avocado or light olive oil): Forms a smooth, creamy base for the ranch dressing.
Egg: Adds richness to the ranch; skip if subbing with store-bought mayo.
Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk: This creates a velvety texture and is great for Whole30 compliance.
Lemon juice and red wine vinegar: Give the ranch its bright acidity and tang.
Garlic and onion powder: Classic savory notes that boost the ranch flavor.
Fresh dill, parsley, cilantro, and basil: These fresh herbs make the ranch and salad super fragrant and vibrant.
Freshly cracked black pepper: For a bit of subtle heat.
Corn (fresh ears): Adds sweetness and crunch; skip for Whole30.
Romaine lettuce: Chopped thinly for crunch without overpowering the other salad flavors.
Green onions: The green tops add a gentle oniony bite.
Grape tomatoes: Juicy bursts of color and freshness.
Black beans: Great for a vegetarian protein boost — omit if Whole30.
Avocado: Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the ranch.

Variations

I like to switch up this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season — feel free to make it your own! Sometimes I’ll add more spice to the chicken marinade or swap the greens for baby spinach.

Variation: For a Whole30 version, skip the black beans and corn, and make sure your BBQ sauce is compliant. I once served it this way at a friend’s dinner party, and no one even missed the beans — it was just as delicious!
Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu skewers for a meat-free option that still has that smoky grilled flavor.
Extra zesty ranch: Add a bit of horseradish or jalapeño to the dressing for a spicy kick that I personally love on hotter days.
Seasonal greens: Swap romaine with kale or arugula for a peppery note, especially in the fall or winter months.

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 bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches, so they cook quickly and evenly. Toss the chicken with avocado oil and kosher salt first to season it well, then coat generously with your favorite BBQ sauce—I swear by Primal Kitchen for its clean ingredient list and bold flavor. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or even a couple of hours if you have time. I find that the longer the chicken soaks up those smoky BBQ notes, the better the final skewers taste.

Step 2: Soak Skewers and Grill the Chicken

Don’t skip soaking your wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes—that’s a trick I’ve learned the hard way after burning a few sticks. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers and preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until you get beautiful grill marks and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep a close eye so they don’t dry out. If you don’t have a grill, the broiler works well too—just watch those edges!

Step 3: Make the Herby Ranch Dressing

This homemade Herby Ranch is my absolute favorite part. Combine light oil, egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt in a blender or food processor for a smooth base. Add onion powder, garlic, fresh dill, parsley, black pepper, and blend again until everything is perfectly combined and creamy. Taste as you go—sometimes I add a bit more lemon or herbs depending on my mood.

Step 4: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Grill your corn on the cob brushed with avocado oil until it’s slightly charred and sweet—about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Once cooled, slice the kernels off the cob. Meanwhile, thinly slice your romaine lettuce and green onions, quarter the grape tomatoes, and dice the avocado. If you’re using black beans, give them a good rinse and drain. Toss all these salad components together with the fresh cilantro and basil so every bite has a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Dress the Salad

Once the chicken skewers are done, remove the chicken from the sticks and toss it gently into the salad bowl. Drizzle the herby ranch dressing over the top and toss everything just enough to coat without crushing the avocado. This part always feels so rewarding — all those bright colors and textures coming together in a bowl!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I often finish this salad with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs—cilantro and dill especially—as it reinforces those fresh notes in the ranch. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens up the whole dish, and if you’re feeling fancy, some toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch that my family loves.

Side Dishes

Since the salad is already packed with protein and veggies, I’ll usually pair it with simple sides like warm garlic bread or a light quinoa pilaf. On hotter days, a chilled cucumber salad or watermelon slices make refreshing complements that keep the meal feeling light and summery.

Creative Ways to Present

For outdoor parties, I like to serve the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe in mason jars or individual lettuce cups for easy grab-and-go portions. Another fun twist is creating a colorful layered salad platter with the ingredients arranged in sections — it’s beautiful and allows guests to customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover salad and chicken separately in airtight containers—this helps keep the lettuce crisp and the chicken juicy. The ranch can be stored in a small jar in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it comes to salad, I try to enjoy it within 1-2 days to avoid any sogginess.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t freeze the salad since leafy greens don’t freeze well, but the marinated chicken pieces can be frozen raw before grilling. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and grill as usual for a quick, ready-made meal later.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken skewers, I heat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep them moist. Reheated chicken tossed into fresh greens or a new batch of salad feels nearly as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the skewers?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they grill quickly and stay juicy, you can also use chicken thighs for more flavor or even beef or shrimp skewers if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is the herby ranch dressing Whole30 compliant?

Yes, when you use compliant ingredients like avocado oil, coconut milk, and omit the egg or use a Whole30-approved mayo, this herby ranch dressing fits perfectly into the Whole30 program.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! This entire BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your BBQ sauce label as some brands might include gluten-containing ingredients.
What can I substitute for black beans if I want to avoid legumes?

If you’re avoiding legumes, just omit the black beans or swap in grilled zucchini chunks or diced roasted sweet potatoes for extra texture and color.
How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy when prepping ahead?

Store salad components, dressing, and chicken separately in airtight containers. Only toss everything together just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with Herby Ranch Recipe always reminds me of those easy summer nights when good food and good company come together effortlessly. I hope you find it as satisfying and fun to make as I do—it’s a fantastic mix of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant, fresh taste that makes every bite feel like a little celebration.