Easy BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
A delicious and refreshing dish that combines smoky BBQ chicken with tender rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy BBQ dressing, perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz rotini pasta Opt for whole grain for added nutrition.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works best.
Vegetables
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup corn Fresh, frozen, or canned.
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
Dressing
- 1 cup creamy BBQ dressing High-quality store-bought or homemade.
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with diced chicken, black beans, bell peppers, corn, and red onion. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the creamy BBQ dressing over the salad mix and stir well until everything is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preferences.
- If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve the salad chilled and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Notes
For variations, consider adding jalapeños for spice, mixing in diced avocados for creaminess, or swapping rotini for a gluten-free option. Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days for best quality.