Description
The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal combining tender grilled chicken skewers with vibrant veggies and smoky turkey bacon pieces. Its bright, zesty apple cider vinegar dressing and a mix of textures make it perfect for summer gatherings, light weekday dinners, or quick lunches. This nutrient-packed salad balances smoky and tangy flavors while staying light yet filling with lean protein and fresh greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into uniform chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Turkey Bacon
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon
Salad Vegetables
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into uniform chunks. In a bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade making sure each piece is well coated. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Turkey Bacon: Cook the turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Once cooled, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy addition to the salad.
- Assemble the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed salad greens. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Combine all the fresh vegetables in a large salad bowl along with the chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant base.
- Grill the Chicken Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto wooden or metal skewers. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through with appealing grill marks. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before slicing off the skewers.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt to create a light, tangy dressing.
- Bring It All Together: Gently toss the salad greens and vegetables with some of the dressing. Plate the salad and top it with sliced grilled chicken skewers and crispy turkey bacon pieces. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken up to 2 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- Cut chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform grilling and tenderness.
- Use fresh, firm vegetables for maximum crunch and freshness.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Add vinaigrette gradually to avoid overdressing and soggy salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Summer Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Turkey Bacon Salad
