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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad: A Refreshingly Flavorful Summer Bite

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful summer dish, perfect for gatherings and easy to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces cooked rotini pasta Can swap with penne or fusilli.
For the Protein
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast Use black beans or chickpeas for vegetarian.
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup corn kernels Canned or frozen.
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper Any color.
  • 1/2 cup red onion Finely chopped.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Consider dairy-free cheese for a lighter option.
For the Flavor
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce Your choice of brand.
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing Vegan version available.
  • salt To taste.
  • pepper To taste.
For the Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley Optional.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until well mixed.
  2. In a separate small bowl, pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Whisk together until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing mixture over the combined ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything together to ensure full coating.
  4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and toss once more.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Just before serving, give the BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad a gentle stir and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is meal prep friendly and tastes better after flavors meld. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month in separate containers.

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