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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Savor the Flavor: BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad for Easy Meal Prep

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad combines classic BBQ flavors into a high-protein, easy-to-make dish perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Cooked Pasta (rotini or penne) Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Grilled Chicken Shredded rotisserie chicken works for quicker prep.
  • 1 cup Canned Black Beans Rinsed and drained; can be omitted for fewer carbs.
  • 1 cup Corn Fresh, frozen, or canned; fresh corn is ideal in summer.
  • 0.5 cup Diced Red Onion Use green onions for a milder alternative.
  • 0.5 cup Chopped Celery Optional but enhances crunchiness.
  • 0.25 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Parsley can be used for a different flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Can be swapped with sour cream for variety.
  • 0.25 cup BBQ Sauce Adjust for sweet or spicy preferences.
  • 2 tbsp Light Mayo Optional; omit for fewer calories or replace with avocado.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • serving bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and BBQ sauce until smooth. If using, add the light mayo and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, celery, and cilantro. Toss to mix.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold until coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep, this salad is protein-packed and can be stored for a few days in the fridge.

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