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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 5 reviews

A flavorful and refreshing BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad featuring tender grilled chicken, hearty pasta, black beans, crisp vegetables, and a creamy BBQ yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at barbecues and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded grilled chicken

Vegetables and Beans

  • 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 package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, and light mayo (if using) until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavor.
  3. Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, celery, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add the dressing: Pour the BBQ dressing over the salad mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  5. Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become fully chilled.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and enjoy chilled as a satisfying lunch, side dish, or light dinner.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, use smoked BBQ sauce.
  • Light mayo is optional; for lower fat, omit or substitute with more Greek yogurt.
  • Use fresh corn in season for best taste or thaw frozen corn before adding.
  • This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
  • Add diced avocado on top before serving for a creamy texture.

Nutrition

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

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