BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Colorful Bowl of Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: The smoky BBQ sauce, paired with the creamy mayo dressing, creates a deliciously rich and tangy combination that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully.
Hearty and Filling: With chicken, pasta, corn, black beans, and colorful veggies, this salad is satisfying enough to serve as a main dish or a hearty side.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish comes together quickly with minimal prep.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it for an hour to allow the flavors to meld, making it ideal for meal prep or parties.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.

Ingredients

For the Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 pound (450 g) small pasta
1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce
1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

For the Vegetables & Legumes:

1 red onion, chopped
½ jalapeño pepper, deseeded, deveined, and minced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup corn kernels
1 can (425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion and minced jalapeño. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water for one minute less than the package instructions indicate. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

5. Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, sautéed onion and jalapeño, diced red and orange bell peppers, corn, black beans, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.

6. Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional cilantro, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Marinate for Extra Flavor: For enhanced flavor, prepare the salad in advance and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the ingredients to meld and the flavors to develop.
Pasta Choices: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli, to add variety and texture to the salad.
Customize the Veggies: You can add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or avocado for extra color and nutrition.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover BBQ chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use grilled chicken instead of pan-cooked chicken?

Yes! Grilled chicken would add an extra smoky flavor and is a great option if you prefer a charred taste.

2. Can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or grilled tofu, and use a vegan mayo and BBQ sauce.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape such as fusilli, rotini, or farfalle for variety.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! You can add more veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots for added texture and color.

5. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better after marinating for a few hours.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, filling dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a picnic, or a potluck. With its smoky BBQ flavor, creamy dressing, and satisfying blend of chicken, pasta, and veggies, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Easy to make, versatile, and delicious, this salad is perfect for any occasion—try it today and enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal!

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Colorful Bowl of Flavor