Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fresh, smoky, and satisfying meal inspired by California Pizza Kitchen’s iconic BBQ Chicken Salad. Grilled chicken skewers meet crisp veggies, herby ranch dressing, and a burst of bold flavors in this healthy, customizable dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Avocado oil
Kosher salt
BBQ sauce (e.g., Primal Kitchen brand)
Wooden skewers (pre-soaked)
For the Herby Ranch Dressing:
Light-tasting oil (e.g., avocado oil)
1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo)
Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
Lemon juice
Red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
Onion powder
Minced garlic
Fresh dill fronds
Fresh parsley
Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Salad:
Corn on the cob (omit for Whole30)
Avocado oil
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Grape tomatoes, halved
Black beans (omit for Whole30)
Fresh cilantro leaves
Fresh basil leaves
Avocado, diced
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness. Cube into 2-inch pieces and toss with avocado oil, salt, and BBQ sauce. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temp or refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
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Make the Herby Ranch Dressing: In a jar, blend oil and egg with an immersion blender to form mayo. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic. Blend again, then stir in herbs and pepper. Chill until ready.
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Grill Chicken & Corn: Preheat grill to 350–400°F. Rub corn with avocado oil. Skewer the chicken and grill with corn—cook corn for 10–12 minutes, turning often. Grill chicken 3–4 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce until fully cooked.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil with ranch dressing. Add grilled corn (cut from cob) and avocado. Toss gently.
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Serve: Plate the salad and top with chicken skewers. Enjoy!
Notes
Use store-bought ranch dressing for convenience.
Make Whole30 by skipping corn & beans, and using compliant BBQ sauce/dressing.
Try with shrimp or tofu for variety.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Keep components separate for meal prep or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
