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Escape the heat with a colorful, indulgent Barbecue Chicken Salad that’s as vibrant as it is refreshing! Born during a sizzling heat wave in Melbourne, this Garlic Lime Vibrant Barbecue Chicken Salad is your ultimate fire extinguisher for scorching summer days (and no, not the kind involving bulky firemen). With minimal cooking time and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll be whipping up a salad that bursts with flavor and freshness—perfect for those days when the heat feels endless.
Why This Colorful Barbecue Chicken Salad Stands Out?
What sets this Barbecue Chicken Salad apart? It’s not just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver born out of a need for something cool and satisfying during a relentless Melbourne heat wave. No stove, no oven—just a fridge raid and a spark of creativity. The result? A marinade that perfectly balances salty, sweet, zesty, and smoky flavors, with tender BBQ chicken, juicy caramelized pineapple, and a refreshing garlic-lime twist. It’s a salad that’s as effortless as it is unforgettable.
We do the hard work, so you don’t have to! This recipe is all about simplifying your life without skimping on flavor. And if you’re hooked on summer-inspired salads, don’t miss our Pesto Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad—another delight you’ll want on repeat!
Garlic Lime Barbecue Chicken: Key Ingredients
The secret to this Garlic Lime Barbecue Chicken Salad lies in its vibrant ingredients. Smoky barbecue sauce brings bold depth, fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness, and juicy grilled pineapple delivers caramelized sweetness. Simple staples, extraordinary results!
- Barbecue Sauce: This is the soul of the marinade, delivering the smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that define the recipe’s bold flavor. Adjusting it to your taste adds a personalized touch, letting you control the intensity of the barbecue essence. For more smoky barbecue goodness, don’t miss our Barbecue Thighs with Avocado—another mouthwatering favorite!
- Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens and balances the richness of the marinade, infusing the chicken with a zesty kick while complementing the sweetness of the pineapple. It’s the ingredient that ties the flavors together in harmony.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings an aromatic warmth and punch to the dish, blending beautifully with the barbecue sauce and lime to elevate the overall flavor profile. It’s the subtle spark that makes the marinade memorable.
- Pineapple Slices: Grilled pineapple introduces a sweet, caramelized contrast to the smoky chicken, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Its juiciness and natural acidity add a refreshing element to the salad.
*Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Additions And Substitutions
When it comes to Garlic Lime Barbecue Chicken Salad, flexibility is everything. Don’t have an ingredient on hand? No problem—simple swaps and clever additions will ensure every bite is as vibrant and delicious as the original!
- Protein Swap: If chicken isn’t your favorite, try using turkey breast, shrimp, or salmon. All three soak up the marinade beautifully, keeping the dish flavorful and tender. For a salmon twist, pair it with our vibrant Avocado Salmon Salad for even more delicious inspiration!
- Greens Boost: Add spinach, arugula, or kale to the salad mix for extra nutrients and a slightly different texture without overwhelming the flavor profile.
- Tomato Twist: Swap grape tomatoes with cherry tomatoes or diced heirloom tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color.
- Avocado Upgrade: Take your avocado up a notch by sprinkling a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of lime zest before adding it to the salad for extra zest.
- Pineapple Alternatives: If you can’t find pineapple, grilled peaches or mango slices make an equally delicious and caramelized substitute.
Making Vibrant Barbecue Chicken Salad Bliss: Step-By-Step
Let’s jump right in! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll whip up this Garlic Lime Barbecue Chicken Salad in no time. Get ready to create a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to wow your taste buds!
- Make the Marinade: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, stock powder, garlic, and lime juice. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they’re fully coated in the marinade.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large nonstick grilling pan over medium heat and drizzle in a little oil. Sear chicken on both sides, cover the pan, and cook, turning every two minutes until golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest and reserve the pan juices in a small bowl.
- Grill the Pineapple: Drizzle a little oil into the same pan and add the pineapple rings. Cook for a few minutes on each side until caramelized and golden, then set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: Toss all salad ingredients together. Add salt to taste, layer the chicken, grilled pineapple, tomatoes, green onions, avocado, and basil, then drizzle with reserved pan juices and extra olive oil if needed.
Once you’ve enjoyed every bite of this Garlic Lime Barbecue Chicken Salad, why not keep the flavor adventure going? For a timeless favorite, our Chicken Caesar Salad is always a winner. Craving a seafood twist? The Shrimp Asparagus Avocado Salad brings a refreshing combination to your table. If you’re looking for the perfect side, our cheesy, golden Baked Garlic Potato Wedges are sure to satisfy. And don’t forget dessert—the creamy, citrusy Honey Lime Fruit Salad is a light, delicious way to end your meal. There’s plenty more to explore, so dive in and discover your next favorite!
Recipe FAQ’s
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken works wonderfully, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Definitely! Fresh pineapple works beautifully and adds an extra burst of natural sweetness. Just slice it into rings or chunks before grilling, and you’re good to go.
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days, and only toss the salad together when ready to serve.
Squeeze a little lime juice over the sliced avocado to keep it fresh and vibrant. This not only prevents browning but also adds a zesty kick to every bite.
Other Delicious Salads To Try
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Lime and Garlic Barbecue Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 7 tablespoons barbecue sauce adjust to your tastes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable stock powder I use Vegeta
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lime juiced
- 1.1 lbs whole skinless chicken breast
Salad:
- 8 cups mixed salad leaves or lettuce of choice
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 2 stems green onion sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
- 1 pinch salt
- 8 slices pineapple canned in natural juice
- Lime wedges to serve
Instructions
Chicken:
- In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, stock powder, garlic and lime juice. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat chicken evenly.
- Heat a large nonstick grilling pan/skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and add the chicken with the marinade and sear on both sides. Cover the pan and cook chicken, turning after every two minutes or so, until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove, allow to rest and keep warm. Reserve the remaining juices/sauce left over from the chicken in the pan into a separate small bowl.
- Drizzle a small amount of oil onto the same pan, and grill pineapple rings on both sides until caramelised (about 4 minutes each side).
Prepare salad:
- Combine all salad ingredients into a large bowl and toss them until mixed through. Sprinkle salt over the top (adjust to your tastes), and toss again. Place the cooked chicken on top along with the pineapple rings, tomatoes, green onions, avocado and basil. Drizzle reserved juices from the pan over the salad with extra olive oil (if needed).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We are doing a whole week of salads (you can see them on my Menu Monday post) and this was my choice for tonight. It was delicious! I think the chicken and sauce would also be good over rice. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi, this recipe sounds,amazing… but I am a bit stumped on barbecue sauce – is this a shop bought ready made sauce or do you have a recipe? It’s just that I live in Spain and-so far- haven’t spotted BBQ Sauce in the supermarket!! Thank you x
This recipe sounds amazing! I cannot find stock powder of any kind anywhere. Would broth powder be OK as a substitute?
Yes! Broth powder is fine! Or leave it out altogether and season with a little extra salt 🙂
I love creating nutritious meals from your recipes. And, with the help of your tutorials, there is nothing I can’t handle. Each dish is flavor rich and a great presentation. You are appreciated.
Karina, yesterday we had made our salad when we saw your recipe, and bcz i dont like chicken i did it with turkey. Eveything went as directly, but i forget to grill the pineapple. I refer to you at my instagram acc: @eat_livehealthy. Maybe the pic is not as great as yours.. But we sure loved youre recipe..
Thank you, bcz of you we ate different today & healthy..
Thank you Gaby I’m so happy you tried it! Turkey would be just as yummy in this too Xx
Wow! Now this is a salad! I love all of the flavors and the gorgeous colors in this dish! I eat a salad nearly every single day… and while I really do love them, sometimes they can get boring. This salad is exactly the new kick I need!
That’s awesome! I’m so happy you like this one! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! You made my day Xxx