BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

The vibrant fusion of smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs makes this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad the ultimate warm-weather meal. It’s inspired by the California Pizza Kitchen classic — but made healthier, fresher, and even more flavorful with a Whole30-compliant homemade herby ranch. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or prepping a nourishing weeknight dinner, this salad delivers color, crunch, and crave-worthy flavor in every bite. The juicy chicken skewers pack that classic BBQ punch, while the creamy ranch and bright veggies bring balance.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 3 tbsp avocado oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 2 cups BBQ sauce (Primal Kitchen recommended)

• 8 wooden skewers (6-inch, pre-soaked)

For the Whole30 Herby Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup avocado oil (or light olive oil)

• 1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo)

• ½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill

• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad:

• 4 ears corn, husked (*omit for Whole30)

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads)

• 6 green onions, sliced (green parts only)

• 2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained (*omit for Whole30)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness and cut into 2-inch cubes. Toss with avocado oil, kosher salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Let marinate at room temp for 20 minutes or refrigerate up to 8 hours.

2. Prepare Herby Ranch:
   In a wide-mouth jar, add avocado oil and crack the egg into it. Use an immersion blender resting on the yolk to emulsify until thick mayo forms. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic and blend again. Stir in dill, parsley, and pepper. Chill until ready.

3. Grill Corn and Chicken:
   Rub corn with oil. Preheat grill to 350-400°F. Oil grill grates lightly. Grill corn, turning every 2 mins, until tender (about 10–12 mins). Grill skewers 3–4 mins per side. After flipping, baste with remaining BBQ sauce and cook through. Let both rest after grilling.

4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, mix romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Add herby ranch to coat. Cut corn from cob and add along with avocado. Gently toss again.

5. Serve:
   Top the salad with grilled BBQ chicken skewers and enjoy it fresh.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal (estimate per serving) | Servings: 4

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad: A Bold and Balanced Summer Staple

There’s nothing quite like a grilled salad in the summertime—especially when it’s bursting with smoky, sweet, and herbaceous flavors. Enter the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad, a fresh and hearty meal inspired by California Pizza Kitchen’s popular BBQ Chicken Salad, but elevated for the modern, health-conscious home cook. With tender grilled chicken skewers, crunchy romaine, sweet grilled corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a homemade herby ranch dressing that ties everything together—this salad isn’t just a side dish. It’s the star of the table. In this article, we’ll explore the background of this crowd-pleasing dish, its nutritional benefits, Whole30 and gluten-free adaptations, and why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

A Modern Take on a Restaurant Classic

The inspiration behind this dish comes from one of the most beloved items on the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) menu: their BBQ Chicken Salad. That dish features shredded BBQ chicken tossed with lettuce, black beans, corn, and tortilla strips, served with ranch dressing. While undeniably tasty, the original version contains processed ingredients and often loads up on sugar, dairy, and refined oils. This homemade version reimagines the dish with clean, whole ingredients that you can feel good about eating. Think of it as a “detoxed” CPK salad that sacrifices none of the flavor but brings in all the freshness. Instead of processed BBQ sauce, we use a sugar-free brand like Primal Kitchen. Instead of bottled ranch, we whip up a quick and easy Whole30-compliant herby ranch. And the chicken isn’t just grilled—it’s skewered, giving it a deliciously caramelized exterior and juicy center.

What Makes This Recipe Stand Out

There are plenty of grilled salads out there. So what makes this one special?

Grilled Skewers Add Serious Flavor

• Marinating the chicken and then grilling it on skewers ensures each bite is tender, smoky, and infused with BBQ goodness. The char you get from the grill gives this salad restaurant-level depth.

Homemade Ranch Is a Game Changer

• Most people don’t realize how easy it is to make your own ranch dressing. This version blends avocado oil, coconut milk, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs for a creamy, tangy, dairy-free dressing that works with almost any meal.

Totally Customizable

• Make it Whole30 by removing corn and beans. Add or swap in extra veggies like cucumber or red cabbage. Use store-bought mayo to save time. This recipe is as flexible as your fridge allows.

Meal Prep Friendly

• You can prep components ahead of time—grill the chicken, make the dressing, chop the veg—and assemble just before eating. It’s perfect for work lunches, quick dinners, or weekend meal prep.

Breaking Down the Ingredients

Let’s explore each component of the salad and what it brings to the table.

Chicken Skewers

The chicken is marinated in avocado oil, salt, and clean BBQ sauce. Skewering the chicken before grilling allows for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a lean protein source, while the BBQ marinade provides sweetness and smokiness without excess sugar or additives.

Romaine Lettuce

• Romaine is crunchy, hydrating, and strong enough to stand up to thick dressings and hearty toppings. It’s also rich in vitamin K and provides a satisfying bite.

Grilled Corn (Optional for Whole30)

• Grilling corn enhances its natural sweetness while adding smokiness. It’s an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.

Black Beans (Optional for Whole30)

• Beans add heartiness, protein, and fiber. They’re particularly good for satiety and blood sugar stability, making the salad more filling.

Avocado

• Rich in healthy fats, potassium, and fiber, avocado is creamy, delicious, and balances the acidity of the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing beautifully.

Tomatoes and Green Onion

• Tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor, while green onions bring a subtle bite and aromatic depth.

Fresh Herbs (Cilantro and Basil)

• These herbs provide brightness and freshness that take the salad from good to gourmet. They also boost antioxidants and digestive benefits.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Depending on whether you include corn and beans, a single serving offers:

• Calories: 400–500 kcal

• Protein: 35–40g

• Fat: 25–30g

• Carbs: 15–30g

• Fiber: 6–10g

• Gluten-Free: Yes

• Whole30: Yes (when adjusted)

This is a macro-balanced meal that provides sustained energy, muscle support, and satiety—all without dairy, gluten, or grains (if modified).

The Herby Ranch Dressing: Secret Weapon

This dressing is not only Whole30 and dairy-free but arguably more delicious than traditional ranch. Here’s why:

• Avocado oil is anti-inflammatory and a clean fat.

• Coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy.

• Lemon juice and vinegar add brightness and acidity.

• Fresh herbs like dill and parsley offer a flavor punch and digestive benefits.

It comes together in under 5 minutes with an immersion blender and stores well in the fridge for up to a week. You’ll want to drizzle it on everything from veggie trays to breakfast hash.

Whole30 & Paleo Adaptations

To make this recipe Whole30-compliant:

•  Use a Whole30-approved BBQ sauce (like Primal Kitchen or homemade)

•  Use the included homemade ranch

•  Omit the corn and black beans

To make it Paleo:

•  Keep the dressing and chicken

•  Omit beans (legumes are not Paleo-approved)

•  Omit corn (corn is a grain)

Even without those ingredients, the salad is vibrant, protein-packed, and filling.

How to Grill Like a Pro

Pre-soak wooden skewers.

• This prevents burning and splintering. Soak for at least 30 minutes.

Pound chicken evenly.

• This helps it cook quickly and evenly on the grill.

Preheat and oil your grill.

• Heat grill to medium-high (350–400°F). Oil the grates lightly with avocado oil to prevent sticking.

Don’t overflip.

• Let each skewer sear for 3–4 minutes before flipping. This gives great grill marks and keeps the meat juicy.

Rest before serving.

• Always allow chicken to rest a few minutes off the heat to retain juices.

Pairing Suggestions

While this salad is hearty on its own, it pairs wonderfully with:

• A chilled rosé or sauvignon blanc

• Sparkling lime water with mint

• Grilled sweet potatoes or zucchini on the side

• Plantain chips or cassava crackers for crunch

• A light summer fruit salad for dessert

Make It a Crowd-Pleaser

Hosting a BBQ? Turn this salad into a DIY Salad Bar:

• Grill skewers in advance and keep warm

• Offer toppings like cheese, tortilla strips, extra herbs

• Set out different dressings (herby ranch, jalapeño vinaigrette, balsamic)

• Let guests build their own bowl

It’s interactive, allergy-friendly, and fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought ranch?

• Yes, but look for a cleaner version without dairy or sugar if you’re keeping it Whole30. The homemade version is tastier and healthier.

Can I grill the chicken in advance?

• Absolutely. Grilled chicken stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep the skewers on or off.

Can I bake or pan-sear the chicken instead of grilling?

• Yes. Use a grill pan or bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s a template for bold, vibrant, nutrient-dense meals that don’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re doing a Whole30, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a grilled salad that feels like a meal, this dish delivers. From the smoky chicken to the crunchy lettuce, from the creamy ranch to the fresh herbs—every bite hits the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nourishment. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe all summer (and fall, and winter.