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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad combining tender shredded grilled chicken, al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy BBQ yogurt dressing. Perfect as a refreshing lunch, picnic side, or light dinner, this salad offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and tangy sweetness with a hint of smokiness.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (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 Ingredients

  • 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 halt cooking 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 balance flavors.
  3. Combine the salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red onion, chopped celery, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
  4. Add the dressing. Pour the BBQ yogurt dressing over the salad and mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  5. Chill before serving. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  6. Serve and enjoy. Give the salad a final gentle stir before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve chilled as a satisfying lunch, side dish, or light dinner.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add light mayo, but it can be omitted for a lighter version.
  • Use freshly grilled chicken or leftover BBQ chicken for enhanced smoky flavor.
  • Frozen corn should be thawed and drained before use; canned corn should be drained well.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
  • Feel free to swap Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred.

Nutrition

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

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