Are you ready to elevate your lunch and dinner game? This Refreshing High Protein BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad features tender, flavorful BBQ chicken, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It is a fantastic combination of textures and flavors.
This vibrant pasta salad is a complete meal, with a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fresh ingredients, all coated in a delicious dressing.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Savory, smoky, and slightly sweet from the BBQ chicken, balanced with fresh vegetables and a zesty, creamy dressing.
- Textures: Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes of active time, plus chilling time.
- Difficulty: Easy. This recipe is straightforward, with simple steps that are perfect for cooks of all levels.
What You’ll Need
This delightful BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad combines the satisfying heartiness of pasta with the bold flavors of BBQ chicken. The components include your favorite pasta shape, juicy, cooked chicken (enhanced with BBQ sauce), a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, and a creamy, rich dressing.
Ingredient Notes
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- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer; just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
- BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce. A good quality sauce will significantly impact the flavor of the chicken.
- Pasta – Rotini, penne, or farfalle are excellent pasta choices for this salad because their shape holds the sauce well.
- Cherry Tomatoes – These add a burst of freshness and sweetness. Halve or quarter them for easy eating.
- Red Onion – Adds a sharp, pungent bite.
- Bell Pepper – Use any color of bell pepper for added flavor and color.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, sharp flavor.
- Mayonnaise – Provides the creamy base for the salad dressing.
- Sour Cream – Adds tanginess to the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add a touch of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, slightly healthier option.
- Try adding some fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
How to Make Refreshing High Protein BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
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Pro Tip: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente, so it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook our pasta. Cook it until it’s perfectly tender, but still has a bit of bite.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with less salt and pepper and add more as needed.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- If you’re making this ahead, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
FAQs
- Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, you can. Prepare all the components separately (chicken, pasta, vegetables, and dressing), store them in the refrigerator, and assemble the salad just before serving. This prevents the pasta from getting too soft
- Can I substitute the chicken? Absolutely! You can use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken, just make sure to shred it.
- How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge? This pasta salad is best when served within 3 to 4 days of making it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this refreshing BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad as a standalone meal, or pair it with some extra sides.
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Add some crusty bread.
Make This Recipe in Advance
You can cook the chicken and pasta, chop the vegetables, and make the dressing a day in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the pasta salad just before serving. You can also freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before shredding and using.
Print
Refreshing High Protein BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Refreshing High Protein BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad features tender, flavorful BBQ chicken, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It is a fantastic combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta of choice
3 ears of corn, grilled and cut off the cob
1 grilled chicken breast, diced (optional but recommended for protein)
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1 jalapeño, minced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
For the lime crema dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta until it’s al dente, then rinse and drain.
Whisk the dressing ingredients together.
Mix pasta with corn, chicken, cotija, jalapeo, and red onion.
Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Before serving, top with extra cotija, cilantro, chili powder, and lime wedges.
Notes
Don’t overcook our pasta. Cook it until it’s perfectly tender, but still has a bit of bite.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with less salt and pepper and add more as needed.
Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
If you’re making this ahead, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
