Description
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish, combining smoky grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for picnics and potlucks, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. This no-fuss recipe is easy to prepare, can be served warm or cold, and is sure to become a staple at your summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let cool before shredding.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain but do not rinse.
- Chop cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion while the pasta cooks.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and BBQ sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Drizzle with olive oil, add cilantro or parsley, and give it a final toss.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute seasonal vegetables or add cheese for extra creaminess. Leftover grilled chicken works great for this recipe.