If you’re searching for a vibrant dish that perfectly captures the spirit of sunny days and backyard gatherings, look no further than this Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite). It’s a dreamy combination of smoky grilled chicken and sweet, charred corn, mingling effortlessly with the fresh crunch of vegetables and a zesty, tangy dressing. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it an instant hit whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. This salad truly brings the best of barbecue and garden-fresh ingredients together in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.

Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s fantastic about this salad is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Fresh produce, simple seasonings, and just the right touch of BBQ sauce come together to build that irresistible flavor profile.

2 large chicken breasts: Choose juicy, high-quality chicken for tender, flavorful protein.
2 ears corn: Fresh corn husked and ready to be grilled adds irresistible sweetness and smokiness.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved to bring juicy bursts of brightness and vibrant red color.
1 medium bell pepper: Diced to add a crisp, slightly sweet crunch and beautiful color.
1 small red onion: Diced for a mild sharpness that balances the salad perfectly.
1 cup fresh cilantro: Chopped to infuse a fresh, herbal note that lifts all the flavors.
¼ cup olive oil: The perfect base for the dressing, providing richness and smoothness.
3 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Plus 1 tablespoon for brushing—this adds a smoky, tangy depth to chicken and salad alike.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Adds a refreshing citrus zing that brightens the entire dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes with subtle garlicky warmth.
Salt and pepper: To taste, because seasoning brings everything together beautifully.

How to Make Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite)

Step 1: Heat Up and Prep

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. This ensures you get those perfect grill marks and a smoky char that’s essential to the Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite).

Step 2: Season and Brush the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then give each side a brush of BBQ sauce. This layering of flavors guarantees that the chicken is juicy and packed with that signature tangy-sweet barbecue taste.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. You want to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through but still moist. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Grill the Corn

While the chicken grills, place the husked corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally for about 10 minutes until it’s tender and slightly charred, which brings out amazing smoky-sweet flavors that elevate the whole salad.

Step 5: Prepare the Corn Kernels

Once cool enough to handle, slice the corn kernels off the cob. This creates a delightful texture contrast while helping distribute that smoky sweetness evenly through the salad.

Step 6: Chop and Combine the Veggies

In a large bowl, toss together the fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. The colors and flavors here start to sing together beautifully.

Step 7: Whisk and Pour the Dressing

Mix olive oil, lime juice, and the remaining BBQ sauce in a small bowl to create a zesty, smoky dressing. Pour it over the salad and toss gently. This dressing ties every element of the salad into a cohesive, irresistible bite.

Step 8: Slice the Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the salad. This final touch adds hearty substance and ensures every forkful includes that smoky, succulent chicken everyone loves in a Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite).

How to Serve Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite)

Garnishes

For an extra burst of flavor and color, try sprinkling some additional chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño for a mild kick. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also enhance the smoky vibe.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with classic summer sides like garlic bread, grilled sweet potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. It’s versatile enough to accompany any barbecue spread or stand confidently on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite) in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop crispy tortilla chips for a fun and shareable appetizer. You can also presentation-layer it in clear glasses for an elegant picnic option that looks just as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, store the grilled chicken and salad separately if possible and combine before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t ideal for freezing, since the fresh vegetables and dressing may lose their texture and vibrancy once thawed. Save the chicken for freezing separately if needed.

Reheating

For leftovers, gently reheat the chicken in a microwave or on the stove until warmed through. Avoid reheating the whole salad with dressing to keep the fresh veggies crisp and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the salad?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s seasoned or brushed with some BBQ sauce to keep that authentic flavor alive in your Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite).

What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries. You can grill the chicken and corn on a grill pan or cook the chicken in the oven and roast the corn. The charred, smoky notes might vary a bit, but the salad will still taste fantastic.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute grilled chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use vegan BBQ sauce to keep it plant-based. The fresh veggies and dressing remain just as delightful.

How spicy is this salad?

The Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite) is generally mild, but you can add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the dressing for some heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce complements this salad perfectly, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade version to tailor the flavor exactly to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite) is one of those recipes that instantly feels like summer sunshine on a plate. It’s fresh, smoky, colorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for keeping things light but flavorful during warm-weather meals. Once you make it, I guarantee it will become a regular feature on your summer table and a crowd-pleaser at every barbecue or picnic. Go on, give it a try and savor every glorious bite!

Bbq Chicken & Corn Salad (summer Favorite) Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant summer BBQ Chicken & Corn Salad featuring grilled chicken breasts, charred corn, fresh vegetables, and a tangy BBQ-lime dressing. Perfect for warm-weather meals, combining smoky flavors with fresh ingredients for a light yet satisfying dish.

Instructions

Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high to ensure it’s ready for cooking the chicken and corn evenly.
Season and brush the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brush both sides with 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce to give them a rich smoky flavor during grilling.
Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Grill the corn: While the chicken is grilling, place the husked corn ears directly on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is nicely charred and tender. Remove and allow it to cool slightly.
Prep the corn kernels: After cooling, carefully cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Combine the salad ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the corn kernels.
Make the dressing and toss: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Pour this dressing over the salad, then toss well to coat all the ingredients.
Slice the chicken: Cut the rested grilled chicken breasts into strips, arranging them over the dressed salad.
Serve immediately: Enjoy this flavorful and colorful BBQ Chicken & Corn Salad fresh off the grill for a perfect summer meal.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the salad mixture.
To make the recipe gluten free, ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten free.
Chicken can be substituted with grilled tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though best enjoyed fresh.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken and corn on a grill pan or broil in the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken salad, grilled corn salad, summer salad, healthy chicken recipe, grilled chicken, BBQ salad