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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy BBQ chicken pasta salad with corn, beans, and cheddar cheese.
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This creamy, smoky pasta salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks and summer dinners. It combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy BBQ dressing for a dish that's both comforting and exciting. Quick to prepare and even better after chilling, it's a versatile recipe that adapts to many dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cool water, and let drain well.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, and red onion. Gently fold until evenly coated.
  4. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro. Fold gently to combine.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir before serving and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For best results, cool pasta completely before mixing. Salad can be made a day ahead; add fresh herbs just before serving. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/bbq-chicken-pasta-salad/