Description
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad combines smoky grilled chicken skewers with crisp mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and a tangy natural apple cider vinegar dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a healthy, flavorful meal perfect for warm days or anytime you want a satisfying dish packed with exciting textures and balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Skewers
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (natural)
- Pinch of salt
- Wooden or metal skewers
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons natural apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon honey (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and toss them in a bowl with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, olive oil, and salt. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Assemble the skewers and grill: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto wooden or metal skewers, spacing them evenly. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Prepare the salad base: While the chicken cooks, in a large bowl combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber slices, and chopped parsley and cilantro. Toss gently to mix.
- Make the natural dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together natural apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
- Combine and serve: Remove chicken from skewers and add to the salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and chicken, then toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for a more intense smoky flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if time allows for deeper flavor.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
- Ensure salad greens are well washed and dried to prevent sogginess.
- Taste and adjust dressing vinegar and honey for your preferred balance of tangy and sweet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad with chicken skewers
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled chicken salad, healthy salad, quick dinner, gluten free, mixed greens salad
