Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, cut into cubes; ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 15 minutes; 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or your choice); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled); ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ avocado, sliced; ¼ cup shredded cheddar or feta cheese; ¼ cup crispy tortilla strips or croutons (optional, for crunch); ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

Description

This fresh and flavorful salad is topped with juicy BBQ chicken skewers, crisp greens, and a tangy homemade dressing. A perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and crunchy, it’s a light yet satisfying meal for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the BBQ Chicken Skewers:

2 large chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 15 minutes

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or your choice)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup shredded cheddar or feta cheese
1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips or croutons (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken

In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken cubes, tossing to coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes (optional).
Thread chicken onto soaked skewers.
Grill over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. (Or cook in a stovetop pan or oven at 400°F/200°C for 15 minutes.)

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cheese.
Drizzle with dressing, tossing gently.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Place BBQ chicken skewers on top of the salad.
Add avocado slices and tortilla strips/croutons for crunch.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Make it spicy: Add 1 tsp hot sauce to the BBQ marinade.
Swap the protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or steak instead of chicken.
Meal prep: Keep ingredients separate and assemble before serving.