Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines succulent grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy balsamic dressing for a perfect summer meal. Tender chicken marinated in a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce is served atop a colorful bed of mixed greens, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Creamy avocado and feta cheese add richness, while toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch
Ingredients
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Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines succulent grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy balsamic dressing for a perfect summer meal. Tender chicken marinated in a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce is served atop a colorful bed of mixed greens, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Creamy avocado and feta cheese add richness, while toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Salad Base:
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup roasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
For the Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Add cubed chicken to the marinade and toss thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer.
- Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- While chicken is cooking, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion in a large serving bowl.
- For the dressing, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
- Add diced avocado and crumbled feta to the salad base. Drizzle with two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently.
- Place grilled chicken skewers on top of the dressed salad, sprinkle with pine nuts, and drizzle with remaining dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For best results, marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Metal skewers can be used without soaking and help conduct heat for even cooking.
- Components can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving.
- Store undressed salad components separately for meal prep throughout the week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute feta with nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe, Grilled Chicken Salad, Healthy Dinner, Summer Salad, Protein-Rich Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Meal Prep Salad