20 Flavorful BBQ Salad Recipes Deliciously Grilled

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

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Grilled Chicken BBQ Salad with Avocado

Elevate your salad game with this flavorful and refreshing Grilled Chicken BBQ Salad, featuring creamy avocado and tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon water.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let cool, then slice into strips.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
5. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the salad and top with grilled chicken.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Smoky BBQ Steak Salad with Corn

A sweet and smoky twist on the classic steak salad, this recipe combines tender grilled steak, caramelized corn, and crunchy greens.

Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/4 cup Smoky BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crumbly feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill steak for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. In a large skillet, combine corn kernels and olive oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until caramelized (about 10-12 minutes).
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Smoky BBQ Sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss sliced steak with the sauce until coated.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, caramelized corn, and BBQ-glazed steak. Top with crumbly feta cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

BBQ Pulled Pork Salad with Coleslaw

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering salad featuring tender, slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, served atop a refreshing bed of coleslaw.

Ingredients:
• 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. Season pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Pour over the pork.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or until tender and easily shredded.
5. Assemble salad by placing pulled pork on top of mixed greens, red bell peppers, and coleslaw. Top with crumbled blue cheese (if using).

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker) or 2-3 hours (oven)

Grilled Shrimp BBQ Salad with Lime Dressing

Savor the flavors of a tropical vacation with this refreshing and flavorful salad, featuring grilled shrimp, crispy bacon, and tangy lime dressing.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and cooked bacon.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and honey. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with grilled shrimp and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

BBQ Ranch Salad with Crispy Bacon

Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this BBQ ranch salad, elevated by crispy bacon bits and crunchy vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup BBQ ranch dressing
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crispy.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
4. Drizzle BBQ ranch dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon bits over the top of the salad.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (including baking time)

Grilled Veggie BBQ Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A refreshing summer salad that combines the smoky flavor of grilled vegetables with the tanginess of balsamic glaze, all on top of a bed of crispy mixed greens.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onions)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup mixed greens
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup Balsamic Glaze (see below for recipe)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush vegetables with olive oil, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, grilled vegetables, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Drizzle Balsamic Glaze over the salad and toss to coat.

Balsamic Glaze Recipe:

– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until glaze has thickened slightly. Let cool before using.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including grilling time)

BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad with Croutons

Elevate your salad game with this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad featuring crunchy croutons and a tangy drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let cool before slicing into strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, blue cheese crumbles, and sliced chicken.
4. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle croutons evenly over the top of the salad.
6. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the croutons for an added layer of flavor.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Spicy BBQ Turkey Salad with Black Beans

This refreshing salad combines the smoky flavor of BBQ turkey with spicy and sweet notes, all on top of a bed of creamy black beans. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or as a nutritious snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked turkey breast
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons Spicy BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup diced avocado

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey breast, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle Spicy BBQ sauce and lime juice over the mixture; toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, sprinkle feta cheese and avocado (if using) on top of the salad.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep and assembly)

Grilled Salmon BBQ Salad with Honey Mustard

A sweet and tangy twist on a classic salad, this recipe combines the richness of grilled salmon with the bold flavors of BBQ sauce and honey mustard.

Ingredients:

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 8 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Brush the grilled salmon with the honey mustard mixture. Slice into strips.
6. Combine the salad and salmon in a serving dish.

Cooking Time:

– Grilling time: 8-10 minutes
– Total preparation time: 15-20 minutes

BBQ Tofu Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

A refreshing summer salad featuring tender BBQ tofu, crispy greens, and a creamy sesame ginger dressing.

Ingredients:

– 1 block of extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber slices
– Sesame Ginger Dressing (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and 1 tablespoon of water.
3. Add the tofu cubes to the BBQ sauce mixture and toss to coat.
4. Grill the tofu for about 5 minutes per side, until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
6. Slice the grilled tofu into strips and add to the salad.

Sesame Ginger Dressing:

– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over the BBQ tofu salad.

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Grilled Pineapple BBQ Salad with Coconut Dressing

Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing Grilled Pineapple BBQ Salad, topped with a creamy Coconut Dressing.

Ingredients:

– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into wedges
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush pineapple wedges with coconut oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
5. Toss mixed greens with Coconut Dressing (see below).
6. Top salad with grilled pineapple, feta cheese, and cilantro (if using).

Coconut Dressing:

1. Blend 1/2 cup coconut cream, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar until smooth.
2. Season with salt to taste.

Cook Time: 15 minutes

BBQ Pork Chop Salad with Apple Slaw

Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this BBQ pork chop salad, topped with a crunchy apple slaw and served on a bed of fresh greens.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8 cups mixed greens
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 apples, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Brush mixture evenly onto both sides of pork chops.
3. Grill pork chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toss mixed greens with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. In a separate bowl, combine red onion and apple slices. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble salad by placing grilled pork chops on top of mixed greens, followed by the apple slaw.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Grilled Portobello BBQ Salad with Goat Cheese

Elevate your salad game with this savory and satisfying dish, featuring the meaty flavor of grilled portobello mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, and a hint of sweet BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups mixed greens

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Brush both sides of the portobello mushrooms with the marinade.
4. Grill mushrooms for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Meanwhile, combine goat cheese, cilantro, and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
6. Assemble salad by placing grilled mushrooms on top of mixed greens and drizzling with the goat cheese mixture.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

BBQ Cornbread Salad with Ranch Dressing

A warm weather classic gets a delicious twist! This BBQ Cornbread Salad combines sweet cornbread croutons, crunchy bacon, and fresh veggies in a creamy ranch dressing.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup cornbread, crumbled
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss crumbled cornbread with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, bell peppers, cucumber, and crumbled bacon.
5. Pour in ranch dressing and toss to coat.
6. Sprinkle toasted cornbread croutons over the salad.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Grilled Halloumi BBQ Salad with Pomegranate

Grilled Halloumi BBQ Salad with Pomegranate: A flavorful twist on the classic Greek salad, featuring crispy grilled halloumi cheese and a tangy pomegranate dressing.

Ingredients:

– 250g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill halloumi slices for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
4. Drizzle olive oil and pomegranate molasses over the salad.
5. Top with grilled halloumi slices and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including grilling time)

BBQ Chicken Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

This refreshing salad combines the flavors of BBQ chicken, crunchy taco shells, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing for a deliciously unique twist on traditional tacos.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast
– 8-10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken breast, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, queso fresco, and chopped cilantro.
3. Toss tortilla quarters with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to make the Cilantro Lime Dressing.
5. Assemble salads by placing chicken mixture on a plate, topping with tortilla quarters, and drizzling with dressing.

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Grilled Zucchini BBQ Salad with Feta

A refreshing twist on traditional salads, this recipe combines the sweetness of grilled zucchini with the tanginess of feta cheese and a hint of smoky BBQ flavor.

Ingredients:

– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush zucchinis with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill zucchinis for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. In a large bowl, combine grilled zucchini, mixed greens, feta cheese, and parsley.
5. Drizzle with BBQ sauce to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

BBQ Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing

A refreshing twist on traditional chickpea salads, this recipe combines the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce with creamy tahini dressing and crunchy veggies.

Ingredients:

– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
– Assorted veggies (bell peppers, carrots, cherry tomatoes, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil to make the dressing.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine chickpeas, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss until chickpeas are well coated.
4. Add chopped veggies to the chickpea mixture and toss to combine.
5. Spread the chickpea mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
7. Drizzle tahini dressing over the top and garnish with cilantro or scallions if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Grilled Peach BBQ Salad with Arugula

Sweet and savory, this refreshing salad combines the flavors of grilled peaches, tangy BBQ sauce, and peppery arugula. Perfect for a summer evening or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe peaches, sliced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush peach slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill peaches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine arugula and grilled peaches.
5. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top, tossing gently to coat.
6. Sprinkle feta cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

BBQ Brisket Salad with Blue Cheese Crumbles

A classic BBQ brisket gets a refreshing twist when paired with crispy greens, tangy blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound smoked brisket, thinly sliced
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the brisket into thin strips and place on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
5. Add the crispy brisket to the salad and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Summary

Get ready to fire up your grill and elevate your salad game! This collection of 20 flavorful BBQ salads features a variety of delicious combinations. From classic grilled chicken with avocado to smoky steak with corn, there’s something for everyone. Try pulled pork with coleslaw or shrimp with lime dressing. You’ll also find veggie-based options like grilled portobello mushrooms with goat cheese and zucchini with feta. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy turkey or honey mustard salmon, these BBQ salads are sure to please.

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