A hearty and flavorful salad bowl filled with smoky grilled BBQ chicken, charred zucchini, sweet corn, fluffy quinoa, and fresh herbs. Topped with tangy BBQ sauce and creamy feta, this colorful salad is a satisfying, protein-packed dish perfect for summer grilling season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled BBQ Chicken, Zucchini & Corn Quinoa Salad is the ultimate summer dish, combining smoky grilled chicken, tender zucchini, and sweet corn with the nutty flavor of quinoa. The dish is not only packed with protein but also loaded with fresh, vibrant vegetables and herbs. The BBQ sauce adds a tangy and smoky finish, while the crumbled feta brings a creamy, salty contrast. This salad is perfect for meal prepping, enjoying at summer barbecues, or simply as a light and refreshing dinner option that’s full of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or broth
2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
1 medium zucchini, sliced and grilled
2 ears of corn, husked and grilled
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Olive oil for grilling
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the quinoa: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts, zucchini slices, and corn with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Grill the zucchini until tender and slightly charred, and grill the corn until slightly blackened. Slice the grilled zucchini and cut the corn off the cob.
In a large bowl, spread the quinoa as the base. Arrange the grilled chicken, zucchini, corn, feta, green onions, and fresh herbs on top.
Drizzle with BBQ sauce and serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Calories: 460 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegan option: Substitute the chicken with grilled tempeh or tofu and replace the feta with a dairy-free cheese or avocado.
Extra crunch: Add some toasted nuts, such as slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds, for an extra crunch.
Other veggies: Add grilled bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocado for more color and flavor.
Spicy: Drizzle with hot sauce or add a pinch of chili flakes to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad can be enjoyed cold, or you can gently reheat the chicken and quinoa in the microwave or on the stove. Keep the BBQ sauce and feta separate if storing, and add them just before serving to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa, grilled chicken, and vegetables in advance. Assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve, and drizzle with BBQ sauce just before eating.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as it contains quinoa and vegetables.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

While fresh corn is ideal for grilling, you can use frozen corn if needed. Just be sure to thaw and heat it before adding it to the salad.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas.

How do I grill the zucchini and corn?

For zucchini, slice it into rounds or lengthwise and grill until tender with visible char marks. For corn, husk it and grill it on all sides until slightly blackened, then slice it off the cob.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

This salad will last up to 3 days when stored properly in the fridge.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with other grains like farro, bulgur, or couscous for a different texture.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce. For a homemade touch, you can make your own BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup, vinegar, and a few spices.

Can I use other cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or a dairy-free cheese of your choice for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this salad spicier?

You can add some jalapeños, chili flakes, or a spicy BBQ sauce to bring the heat to your salad.

Conclusion

This Grilled BBQ Chicken, Zucchini & Corn Quinoa Salad is the perfect hearty and flavorful meal to enjoy during the summer grilling season. With its smoky grilled chicken, tender vegetables, and zesty BBQ sauce, it’s a satisfying dish full of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a barbecue, this salad will be a hit with everyone!

Grilled BBQ Chicken, Zucchini & Corn Quinoa Salad

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Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course, Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Cook quinoa in water or broth: bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush chicken, zucchini slices, and corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill chicken until cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per side). Grill zucchini until tender and charred, and grill corn until slightly blackened. Slice the grilled zucchini and cut the corn off the cob.
In a large bowl, spread the quinoa as the base. Arrange grilled chicken, zucchini, corn, feta, green onions, and herbs on top.
Drizzle with BBQ sauce and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier version, drizzle extra sriracha or hot sauce over the top.
For a vegan version, replace the chicken with grilled tofu and omit the feta cheese.
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for those who prefer more tang.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 70mg