Description

A vibrant and hearty BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad combining tender shredded grilled chicken, protein-packed black beans, sweet corn, and a creamy BBQ yogurt dressing. This refreshing dish is perfect as a satisfying lunch, side, or light dinner, offering a delicious blend of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors with a touch of cilantro for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
1 ½ cups shredded grilled chicken
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Herbs

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons light mayo (optional, for added creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, and light mayo (if using) until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine the salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, celery, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
Add the dressing. Pour the BBQ dressing over the salad and mix until everything is evenly coated. Make sure the pasta and veggies are well covered for the best flavor in every bite.
Chill before serving. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to fully chill.
Serve and enjoy. Give the salad a final stir before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired, and serve it chilled as a hearty lunch, side dish, or light dinner.

Notes

Use rotini or penne pasta as they hold the dressing well.
Grilled chicken can be substituted with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops cooking and helps prevent sticking.
Light mayo is optional but adds extra creaminess; omit for a tangier, lighter salad.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
Can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, pasta salad recipe, BBQ pasta salad, healthy chicken salad