BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad 

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of smoky, tangy barbecue flavors with the heartiness of pasta and fresh vegetables. It's a perfect dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. The creamy BBQ dressing ties everything together, making each bite a flavorful experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, de seeded, de veined, and minced

• 1 pound small pasta shells

• 1 cup barbecue sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil.

2. Cook the chicken breasts for 4–6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.

3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced jalapeño.

5. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions become transparent.

6. While the onions cook, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.

7. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes.

8. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool.

9. In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.

10. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.

11. Add the sautéed onions and jalapeños, diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, and cilantro.

12. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.

13. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 607 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 73 g

• Protein: 18 g

• Fat: 27 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 30 mg

• Sodium: 933 mg

• Potassium: 608 mg

• Fiber: 7 g

• Sugar: 17 g

• Vitamin A: 1130 IU

• Vitamin C: 43.2 mg

• Calcium: 49 mg

• Iron: 2.4 mg