BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and pasta, all tossed in a creamy BBQ-mayo dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish. The blend of smoky barbecue flavor with the freshness of vegetables and the richness of the dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, it's a convenient option for those seeking a flavorful and filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, deseeded 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

• 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
  
  

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion and minced jalapeño. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until chilled.

4. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, kosher salt, and coarse ground pepper.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Add the chilled pasta and toss until well coated.

6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours 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