This vibrant and flavorful meal features grilled chicken skewers paired with a fresh, herby ranch salad. With tender chicken, a tangy BBQ glaze, and a delicious homemade Whole30-compliant ranch dressing, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a healthy, satisfying dish. Whether you’re following Whole30 or just looking for a flavorful meal, this combination of fresh ingredients is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a complete meal that is bursting with flavor! The chicken skewers are marinated in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, then grilled to perfection. The W30 Herby Ranch dressing adds a refreshing, creamy touch that enhances the salad, which is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. The best part? It’s a healthy, Whole30-friendly dish that feels indulgent and comforting, without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herby Ranch Salad

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 brand recommended)
8 [6-inch] wooden skewers (pre-soaked)

For the W30 Herby Ranch:

1 cup light tasting oil (avocado oil or light olive oil)
1 egg (omit if using store-bought mayo, see note)
½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp vegetabale brooth vinegar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp onion powder
2 cloves minced garlic
¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad:

4 ears corn (omit for Whole30)
2 tbsp avocado oil
8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads)
6 green onions (thinly sliced, green part only)
2 cups quartered grape tomatoes (or 16 ounces)
1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed (omit for Whole30)
¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves
2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
1 avocado (peeled, seed removed, and diced medium)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken Skewers:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and toss them in a bowl with avocado oil and kosher salt.
Thread the chicken cubes onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Brush the chicken skewers with BBQ sauce.
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F. Brush with additional BBQ sauce as it cooks for extra flavor.
Once grilled, remove from the heat and set aside.

For the W30 Herby Ranch Dressing:

In a blender or food processor, combine the light tasting oil, egg (if using), coconut milk, lemon juice, vegetabale brooth vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic, dill, parsley, and black pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the Salad:

If using corn, grill the ears of corn over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. Once cooled, remove the kernels from the cob.
In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, green onions, grape tomatoes, black beans (if using), cilantro, basil, and corn (if using).
Add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Drizzle the W30 Herby Ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes (for the skewers, ranch, and salad)
Cook time: 15-20 minutes (for grilling chicken and corn)
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions to the skewers for extra flavor and nutrition.
No Corn: If you’re on Whole30, simply omit the corn from the salad and consider adding more avocado or other fresh veggies for bulk.
Herby Dressing with Cashews: For a creamier dressing, you can substitute the coconut milk with soaked cashews.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best served fresh, but the dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Reheating: The chicken skewers can be reheated in the oven or on the grill. The salad should be served fresh, as avocado can turn brown when stored.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to the skewers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

2. Can I use a store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can use any store-bought BBQ sauce, but make sure to check the ingredients to ensure it meets your dietary needs (especially for Whole30 or clean eating).

3. Is there a vegan version of the ranch dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought vegan mayo and substitute the egg with 1-2 tablespoons of water to achieve a similar consistency.

4. How can I make the salad spicier?

For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the salad or the ranch dressing.

5. Can I add cheese to this salad?

For non-Whole30 or non-dairy diets, feel free to add crumbled feta or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

6. How do I avoid the salad getting soggy?

Serve the salad ingredients and dressing separately, and toss just before serving to keep everything fresh.

7. Can I use a different oil for the ranch dressing?

Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with light olive oil for a milder taste or a neutral oil like grapeseed or sunflower oil.

8. Can I make the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the skewers ahead of time, marinate them in BBQ sauce, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling.

9. How do I make the chicken skewers juicier?

Marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for a few hours before grilling to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.

10. Can I skip the ranch dressing?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler salad, you can drizzle the salad with olive oil and lemon juice, or just enjoy the fresh flavors on their own.

Conclusion

This grilled chicken skewer recipe paired with the W30 Herby Ranch Salad is the perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful dish. Whether you’re following a Whole30 plan or just craving a healthy meal, this recipe is packed with fresh ingredients, satisfying textures, and delicious flavors. Enjoy the grill-seasoned chicken, the creamy ranch, and the refreshing salad together for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.