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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

A delightful blend of tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and hearty pasta, perfect for summer picnics or cozy dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) Use al dente for best texture.
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease.
  • 1 cup corn Can use fresh, canned, or frozen.
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup black beans Drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Adjust based on your preference.
  • ½ cup ranch dressing For creamy twist.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If using uncooked chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and then grill or sauté until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, corn, diced bell pepper, and black beans.
  3. Pour in the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking.
  4. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  5. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
  6. Serve immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This pasta salad can also be served warm or chilled. Cook the pasta al dente and consider using a quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor.