This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad brings together the bold flavors of grilled BBQ chicken with the cool freshness of romaine, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty herby ranch that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Inspired by the fan-favorite salad from California Pizza Kitchen, this homemade version goes above and beyond with charred corn and wholesome ingredients that hit all the right notes.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or need a nourishing meal after a long day, this salad is hearty enough to stand on its own. With its Whole30-friendly tweaks and homemade dressing, it’s a satisfying option for health-conscious eaters and BBQ lovers alike. One bite and you’ll understand why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Full Recipe:
For the Chicken Skewers:
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups BBQ sauce (such as Primal Kitchen)
8 wooden skewers (6-inch, pre-soaked)
For the Whole30 Herby Ranch:
1 cup light-tasting oil (avocado or light olive oil)
1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo)
½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Salad:
4 ears corn
2 tablespoons avocado oil
8 cups romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
6 green onions, sliced (green part only)
2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30)
¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 avocado, diced
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness, then cut into 2-inch cubes. Toss with avocado oil, salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 8 hours refrigerated).
Make the Herby Ranch: In a wide-mouth jar, add oil and egg. Use an immersion blender to blend into mayo (takes about 10 seconds). Slowly raise and lower the blender until fully emulsified. Add coconut milk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic. Blend again. Stir in dill, parsley, and pepper. Refrigerate.
Grill the Chicken and Corn: Oil grill grates and preheat to medium-high (350–400°F). Coat corn with avocado oil and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently. Grill chicken skewers 3–4 minutes per side, basting with remaining BBQ sauce.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro, and basil. Toss with herby ranch. Slice grilled corn off cobs, add to salad with avocado. Gently mix.
Serve: Plate salad and top with BBQ chicken skewers. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 953 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Inspiration Behind BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by one of California Pizza Kitchen’s most beloved menu items. This homemade version captures the essence of that restaurant classic but elevates it with cleaner ingredients, customizable components, and a standout herby ranch dressing that is both Whole30-compliant and irresistibly delicious.
At the heart of this recipe lies the fusion of smoky BBQ flavor with fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy dressing. It strikes a balance between indulgent and health-conscious, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a summer BBQ, this salad offers flexibility, presentation, and crave-worthy flavor.
Why This Salad Works
What makes this salad shine is its blend of textures and taste. The grilled BBQ chicken provides that smoky, caramelized exterior with a tender bite, perfectly paired with sweet corn kernels charred on the grill. Crisp romaine lettuce serves as the refreshing base, while grape tomatoes and black beans bring juiciness and earthiness.
The real star, however, is the herby ranch dressing. Unlike traditional bottled ranches loaded with dairy and preservatives, this version is made from scratch with light-tasting oils, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and creamy coconut milk. The result is a tangy, herbaceous, and velvety dressing that ties the whole salad together.
For those short on time, the ranch can be substituted with a high-quality store-bought option, but making it from scratch offers unmatched freshness and flavor.
Perfect for Special Diets and Clean Eating
One of the standout qualities of the BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is how adaptable it is to different dietary preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made Whole30-compliant by omitting the black beans and opting for the homemade ranch.
If you’re following a Paleo or low-carb diet, this salad fits right in with your meal plan. For those focusing on protein intake, the grilled chicken offers a hearty serving, making this dish filling without being heavy. It’s an ideal meal for those who value real, unprocessed foods but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
A Salad That Eats Like a Meal
Unlike side salads that leave you hungry an hour later, this is a salad that truly satisfies. It’s high in protein, rich in healthy fats (thanks to avocado and avocado oil), and full of fiber from veggies and beans (if included). Every bite offers a new combination of flavor — from sweet to smoky, creamy to crunchy.
This quality makes it ideal for lunch or dinner, and it keeps well for meal prepping. When stored properly, the components can last for several days in the fridge. Simply keep the dressing and chicken separate until you’re ready to assemble, and you’ll have fresh, delicious meals on hand all week.
Tips for Grilling the Chicken and Corn
Grilling is a key technique in this recipe that imparts a smoky depth and makes the salad feel special. Here are a few tips for getting the best results:
Soak the skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Pound the chicken: This ensures even cooking and better texture across all pieces.
Use a hot, oiled grill: This prevents sticking and helps develop grill marks and caramelization on both the chicken and the corn.
Don’t rush: Let the grill do the work. Turning the skewers every few minutes will help them cook evenly and absorb that delicious BBQ sauce flavor.
After grilling, the corn can be sliced off the cob and mixed into the salad — offering little bursts of smoky sweetness that elevate the entire dish.
What Makes the Herby Ranch So Special
This isn’t your average ranch. It’s dairy-free, sugar-free, and made with real ingredients — perfect for Whole30 or Paleo eaters. The magic lies in the fresh herbs: dill and parsley add bright, grassy notes, while garlic and onion powder provide a savory backbone.
The homemade mayo base, created with light oil and an egg, emulsifies into a silky texture that coats the salad without overwhelming it. Coconut milk adds subtle creaminess without a strong coconut taste. Together, these ingredients create a dressing that’s luscious, zesty, and far better than anything in a bottle.
If you’re not up for making your own, just be sure to choose a store-bought ranch that is light in flavor and free from added sugars or artificial ingredients to keep the salad feeling fresh.
Seasonal and Customizable
Another reason this salad is a favorite is its adaptability. In the summer, it’s perfect for showcasing fresh corn, tomatoes, and herbs from your garden or local market. In the cooler months, it can be modified with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
You can also switch up the protein. Try it with grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you’re serving a crowd, present all the components separately and let guests build their own bowls — a great way to satisfy various dietary needs in one meal.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers
With a few simple steps, you can turn this recipe into a powerhouse meal prep option. The chicken can be marinated and grilled in advance, and the salad vegetables chopped and stored separately. The ranch dressing lasts up to a week in the fridge, so it’s easy to whip up once and use multiple times.
To keep everything fresh, store each element in airtight containers and only mix when ready to eat. This method ensures that the salad doesn’t wilt and that you retain the vibrant crunch of the vegetables and the juiciness of the grilled chicken.
Health Benefits You Can Taste
Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables, this salad is more than just tasty — it’s nourishing. Chicken breast supports muscle growth and keeps you full, while avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Romaine lettuce offers hydration and crunch, while black beans (if included) bring fiber and plant-based protein. Tomatoes add a dose of vitamin C and lycopene, and the herbs in the dressing are rich in antioxidants.
This salad hits all the right nutritional marks while keeping your taste buds fully engaged — a rare and delightful combination.
Conclusion
The BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a shining example of how a simple dish can be so much more than the sum of its parts. It’s bold yet balanced, clean but comforting, and satisfying without weighing you down. Whether you’re grilling for the family or whipping up a quick weekday meal, this salad delivers flavor, nutrition, and beauty in every bowl.
Its versatility, health benefits, and stunning presentation make it a standout choice year-round. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to salad for any occasion — from casual dinners to backyard gatherings. With the homemade herby ranch as the final touch, you’re not just eating a salad; you’re experiencing something genuinely special.