This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun mix of flavors! It’s made with tender chicken, pasta, fresh veggies, and a tangy barbecue dressing that ties it all together.
Perfect for picnics or quick dinners, it’s super easy to whip up. I love adding extra crunch with some chips on top. Who can resist a little extra crunch, right? 😊
It’s a cool, refreshing dish that everyone loves. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—just toss it in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! You can use penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on your pasta choice.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super handy for this recipe. It’s already cooked and shredding it is simple. If you have leftover cooked chicken, that works too! For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas instead.
Corn: Canned corn is great for ease, but fresh or frozen corn adds a nice crunch and sweetness. If corn isn’t your thing, diced cucumbers or chopped avocado can make a fresh alternative.
Black Beans: These are packed with protein, but you can substitute kidney beans or even chickpeas. If you want a lighter option, just skip the beans entirely or use a smaller amount.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers bring sweetness and color, but green peppers work too if you like a more robust flavor. For a spicy kick, try using jalapeños!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor! If you’re watching sugar intake, look for a sugar-free variety or try homemade BBQ sauce. You can also use a spicy sauce for a bit of heat.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Has Great Flavor?
To ensure your pasta salad is bursting with flavor, there are a couple of key steps. First, don’t skip rinsing the pasta after cooking it. This stops the cooking process and helps keep the pasta from sticking together. Let’s break down the flavor steps:
- Mix your ingredients while the pasta is still warm to help them meld together. It creates a wonderful harmony of flavors.
- Be generous with your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Taste as you go – this way, you can adjust the dressing to your liking.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time really allows the flavors to blend, making each bite delicious.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (can use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool it down quickly. Once drained and cooled, set the pasta aside.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Stir everything together until well blended—this will be the star of your salad!
3. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with your chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the pasta so it mixes evenly without breaking it up too much.
4. Add Dressing:
Pour in your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are fully coated in the sauce. This adds amazing flavor to the salad!
5. Season and Optional Cheese:
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste—don’t forget to taste as you go! If you like it creamier, now’s the time to mix in some shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully for the best taste!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When ready to serve, dish out the salad cold or at room temperature. Feel free to garnish with extra fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your yummy BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions for al dente texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some dressing, so you might want to add a splash of BBQ sauce or ranch dressing before serving to revive the flavors.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or extra black beans, use vegan ranch dressing, and skip the cheese or opt for a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor!
Is This Recipe Good for Meal Prep?
Definitely! This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and portion it out for lunches or quick dinners. Just remember to store the dressing separately if possible to keep everything fresh.
