Delicious BBQ Chicken and Corn Salad Recipe for Summer

The scent of smokey barbecue wafts through the air, mingling with the sweetness of fresh corn and zesty lime. Picture juicy pieces of chicken nestled among vibrant veggies, creating a BBQ Chicken and Corn Salad that practically dances off the plate.

This delightful dish is perfect for those summer days when you need something light yet satisfying, packed with flavors that shout “party!” It’s not just a salad; it’s an explosion of taste and texture that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha!

I vividly remember the first time I made this salad during a backyard barbecue. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and someone even asked if I had a secret ingredient. Spoiler alert: it was just love (and maybe some extra lime juice).

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Corn: Sweet corn on the cob is best; grill it for extra flavor before cutting off the kernels.

• Red Bell Pepper: Choose firm bell peppers for a crunchy texture and bright color that makes your salad pop.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness; feel free to substitute with parsley if cilantro isn’t your thing.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a mild sweetness; soak in water briefly to mellow the flavor if desired.

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances all flavors and brings everything together beautifully.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for drizzling over the salad to add richness and depth.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Bbq Chicken and Corn Salad

Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before placing them on the grill. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 6-7 minutes per side.

Prepare the Corn: While chicken cooks, place fresh corn on the grill as well. Grill until slightly charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes. Let cool slightly before cutting kernels off the cob.

Mingle Those Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, and grilled corn. Toss gently to mix flavors.

Create That Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and fresh lime juice with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle over your veggie mix to enhance flavors.

Toss It All Together!: Slice grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add it to your vegetable mixture; toss gently until combined. Ensure everyone gets a mouthful of goodness!

Serve & Enjoy!: Transfer your BBQ Chicken and Corn Salad into a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy immediately for best flavor.

And there you have it—a BBQ Chicken and Corn Salad that dazzles both in taste and looks! Your friends will think you’ve been cooking professionally when really you were just following this simple guide.

Enjoy making this recipe at your next gathering!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by grilling the chicken until it’s juicy and charred, then let it rest while you prepare the corn and dressing. This sequence ensures optimal flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients like black beans or avocado for a unique twist. Experiment with different dressings to add your personal flair!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or gently reheat in the microwave to maintain freshness.

Cooking this BBQ Chicken and Corn Salad reminds me of sunny afternoons at family barbecues, where laughter echoed as we all enjoyed delicious food together.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Yes, leftover grilled chicken works great for quick meal prep.

What can I substitute for corn?

You can use diced bell peppers or peas if you prefer.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It keeps well and tastes even better after marinating overnight.

Print

BBQ Chicken and Corn Salad

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

BBQ Chicken and Corn Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Juicy grilled chicken mingles with sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, and zesty lime for an explosion of taste and color. This refreshing salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile—enjoy it as a main course or a side dish. Easy to prepare and customizable based on seasonal ingredients, this recipe will have your guests coming back for seconds!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 ears of fresh corn
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
3. Grill corn until slightly charred (10-12 minutes). Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob.
4. In a large bowl, combine diced bell pepper, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced onion, and grilled corn.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lime juice; season with salt and pepper.
6. Slice grilled chicken into strips and add to the veggie mix; drizzle dressing over everything and toss gently.
7. Serve immediately garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap in black beans or avocado for a unique twist. Leftover grilled chicken can be used for quick meal prep. This salad tastes even better when marinated overnight.