Oh my goodness, friends! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite summer dishes: BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad. This dish combines everything I love – pasta, chicken, crispy bacon, and a hit of BBQ goodness that just screams summer cookouts! It’s like a party in a bowl, and trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself daydreaming of it long after your plate is empty.
I first stumbled across this treasure of a recipe at a family reunion a couple of years ago. My Aunt Karen brought it, and of course, I took one bite and immediately became obsessed. The flavors danced on my taste buds, and I just had to snag her recipe (thank you, Aunt Karen!). It’s perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home while binging your favorite show. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together that it feels like cheating!
What’s in BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad?
Let’s take a closer look at the star players in this delicious dish:
Elbow Macaroni: The base of our pasta salad, these little noodles hold the flavors incredibly well. Cook them just right for that perfect al dente bite!
Cooked Chicken Breast: I usually use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Diced up, it adds protein and a nice texture.
Bacon: Who doesn’t love crispy bacon? This ingredient brings that smoky, salty crunch we all crave. Just cook it up until it’s crispy and crumble it for that delightful bite!
Black Beans: These little gems are packed with protein and fiber. They provide a lovely creaminess that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce.
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob is delightful in the summer, but frozen or canned corn works just as well. It adds a pop of sweetness!
Red Bell Pepper: For color and crunch, this pepper gives a lovely freshness to the dish.
Red Onion: Finely chopped, these guys bring a bit of zing without overpowering the salad.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better! It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
BBQ Sauce: The star ingredient, of course! It gives that smoky, sweet flavor. I prefer a thicker sauce that sticks to the pasta.
Cilantro: For those of us who love that fresh, herby zing, cilantro brightens the whole dish up.
Green Onions: These are for garnish, bringing a final touch of brightness to your plate!
Is BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health for just a moment. This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors AND nutrients!
Chicken: It’s a fantastic source of lean protein, perfect for keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Black Beans: Not only do they add great flavor, but they also contribute fiber and protein which are beneficial for digestion and maintaining energy levels.
Vegetables: The addition of corn, bell peppers, and onions means you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, all while making your meal colorful and fun.
Just a small note of caution—while it’s loaded with good stuff, the bacon and BBQ sauce can be high in sodium and calories, so moderate your portions if you’re watching those numbers!
You’ll Need: (Serves 6-8)
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
– 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad?
1. First, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it off! Set that aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the macaroni, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything up.
3. Now, drizzling the BBQ sauce over the mixture is next. Mix well to coat all the flavors together and sprinkle some salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro—don’t squash that fresh herb goodness!
5. Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those fabulous flavors to mingle—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
6. Just before serving, give it a final stir and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce on top. Garnish with sliced green onions.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature – either way, enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors!
Serving Suggestions You Can’t Miss!
Make this salad your own! Feel free to swap out ingredients – use grilled shrimp instead of chicken, toss in some cherry tomatoes, or add a touch of heat with diced jalapeños! Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a zesty lemonade, and you’re all set for a beautiful summer meal that will impress your friends and family!
So, are you ready to whip up this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad? I promise it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, my friends!
