This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant, high protein summer dinner made with grilled BBQ chicken, fresh herbs, black beans, corn, avocado, and crisp romaine lettuce. It’s perfect for healthy dinner salad inspiration, gym-friendly meals, and fresh grilled summer recipes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. With juicy grilled chicken coated in BBQ sauce and served over a bed of crisp romaine, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs, this high protein summer dinner delivers bold flavor without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner salad inspiration, gym dinner healthy recipes, or summer high protein meals, this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad checks every box. It’s colorful, satisfying, and built to fuel your evening while keeping things light and refreshing.
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BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad – High Protein Summer Dinner Recipe
Description
A fresh and high protein BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and creamy herb dressing perfect for summer dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups BBQ sauce
8 wooden skewers
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
4 ears corn
1 (15 oz) can black beans
16 oz grape tomatoes
1 avocado
8 cups romaine lettuce
6 green onions
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 cup avocado oil
Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill, basil)
Instructions
1. Season and skewer chicken.
2. Grill chicken and brush with BBQ sauce.
3. Grill corn and slice kernels.
4. Blend dressing ingredients until creamy.
5. Assemble salad with lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado.
6. Top with grilled chicken and drizzle dressing.
Notes
Store components separately for meal prep.
Substitute shrimp or tofu for variation.
Ingredients
Protein & Skewers
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| BBQ sauce | 2 cups |
| Wooden skewers (pre-soaked) | 8 (6-inch) |
| Kosher salt | 2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Avocado oil | 2 tbsp (for grilling) |
Fresh Produce & Salad Base
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce | 8 cups, chopped |
| Grape tomatoes | 16 oz |
| Corn (fresh ears) | 4 |
| Black beans (15 oz can) | 1 |
| Avocado | 1, sliced |
| Green onions | 6, sliced |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh basil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh dill | 1/4 cup |
Creamy Herb Dressing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Large egg (for emulsifying base) | 1 |
| Avocado oil | 1 cup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Slice into large chunks suitable for skewering. Thread onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.
2. Grill the Chicken Skewers
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush grates with avocado oil. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. During the last few minutes, brush generously with BBQ sauce and allow it to caramelize.
Helpful Tip: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
3. Grill the Corn
Lightly brush corn with avocado oil and grill until charred on all sides. Slice kernels off the cob once cooled.
4. Prepare the Dressing
In a blender, combine coconut milk, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, egg, and herbs. Slowly stream in avocado oil while blending until creamy and thick. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, add romaine lettuce. Top with black beans (rinsed and drained), grilled corn, tomatoes, avocado slices, and green onions. Place warm BBQ chicken skewers over the top.
6. Drizzle & Serve
Drizzle herb dressing over the salad just before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad immediately while the chicken is warm for contrast against the crisp lettuce. It pairs well with sparkling water with lemon or a light summer mocktail. For meal prep, store components separately and assemble before eating.
Why This Is a Perfect High Protein Summer Dinner
- Over 35g protein per serving
- Loaded with fiber from beans and vegetables
- Balanced healthy fats from avocado and avocado oil
- Ideal for gym dinner healthy recipes
- Great for outdoor grilling season
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings together smoky grilled chicken, fresh herbs, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables into one satisfying bowl. It works beautifully as a summer high protein dinner, a healthy grilled meal inspiration, or a fresh dinner idea when you want something light yet filling. The combination of textures and bold BBQ flavor makes it a dependable go-to recipe for busy weeknights or relaxed summer gatherings.
FAQ
Is BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad good for meal prep?
Yes. Store grilled chicken, salad base, and dressing separately. Assemble just before eating for best texture.
How much protein is in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Each serving provides approximately 35–40 grams of protein depending on portion size.
Can I make this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad dairy free?
Yes. The recipe is naturally dairy free when using coconut milk dressing.
What can I substitute for chicken in BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad?
Grilled shrimp or tofu skewers work well as alternatives.