Description
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and tasty combination that’s perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or just a quick weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with protein and nutrients, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounce short pasta
- 2 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced or thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
- 2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the short pasta of your choice and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Set the pasta aside to cool completely before adding it to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing or mayonnaise. If you like a zesty kick, add the lime juice.
- Whisk together until smooth, ensuring that the ingredients are well blended.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting based on your personal preferences.
- In the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- For a fresh touch, fold in chopped green onions or cilantro just before serving.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
Notes
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is great for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just keep the salad in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg