Description
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and pasta, all coated in a creamy BBQ dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a hearty side dish, this salad is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrition. With its delightful mix of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced
- 1 pound small pasta shells
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn
- 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Cook chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced jalapenos for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Boil water in a large pot according to package instructions; cook pasta one minute shy of the recommended time. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, kosher salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add chopped chicken to the bowl along with sautéed vegetables, diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, and cilantro. Toss well to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg