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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Combining tender grilled chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy BBQ yogurt dressing, it offers a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors. Easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep or potlucks, this salad is sure to please your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded grilled chicken
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons light mayo (optional, for added creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly.
  2. Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, and light mayo (if using) until smooth. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
  3. Combine the salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, shredded grilled chicken, black beans, corn, diced red onion, chopped celery, and fresh cilantro. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Add the dressing. Pour the prepared BBQ dressing over the salad mixture. Mix carefully to ensure that the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.
  5. Chill before serving. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors to meld together and cools the salad for a refreshing taste.
  6. Serve and enjoy. Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the salad chilled as a satisfying lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a light dinner option.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add light mayo to the dressing, but it’s optional based on your preference.
  • You can use any short pasta shape you like such as penne, rotini, or bowtie.
  • Feel free to substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing or include diced jalapeños.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; just toss before serving.
  • Use fresh corn when in season or frozen/canned for a quick pantry option.
  • If you prefer, swap cilantro for fresh parsley for a different herbal note.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, creamy BBQ dressing, summer pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/bbq-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe/