Smoky BBQ Drumsticks and Carrot Noodle Salad

This smoky BBQ drumsticks and carrot noodle salad recipe is a healthy and flavour-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Juicy peri-peri chicken drumsticks are paired with roasted pumpkin, fresh rocket, carrot noodles, pepitas, and dried cranberries for a balanced and colourful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy high-protein dinner
• Great for BBQ season
• Healthy and colourful meal
• Packed with fresh vegetables
• Perfect for meal prep

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken drumsticks
• Peri-peri seasoning
• Chilli jam

For the Salad

• Pumpkin
• Pepitas
• Rocket
• Carrots
• Dried cranberries

How to Make Smoky BBQ Drumsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the barbecue and oven.

Slash the drumsticks several times to help the flavour absorb.

Combine chicken with peri-peri seasoning and chilli jam and toss well to coat.

Step 2: Roast the Pumpkin

Scatter chopped pumpkin onto a lined baking tray.

Season and roast until golden and lightly crisp.

Add pepitas during the final few minutes of roasting.

Step 3: Cook the Drumsticks

Cook the chicken on the barbecue or chargrill pan, turning regularly, until golden and fully cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Arrange rocket, carrot noodles, roasted pumpkin, and pepitas on a serving platter.

Sprinkle with dried cranberries and top with the smoky BBQ drumsticks.

Tips for the Best BBQ Drumsticks

• Slash the drumsticks to help them cook evenly
• Roast the pumpkin until caramelised for extra sweetness
• Use fresh carrot noodles for crunch
• Turn the chicken regularly to avoid burning
• Add extra chilli jam for more heat

Serving Suggestions

Serve these smoky drumsticks with:

• Garlic yoghurt sauce
• Grilled corn
• Brown rice
• Flatbread
• Fresh avocado slices

Meal Prep Tips

You can roast the pumpkin ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

These smoky BBQ drumsticks and carrot noodle salad bowls are fresh, healthy, and packed with bold flavour. With juicy peri-peri chicken, sweet roasted pumpkin, crunchy carrot noodles, and fresh greens, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor entertaining.