– **Title**: BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (preferably BBQ-flavored)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, shredded BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing together until well combined.
4. Pour the BBQ and ranch mixture over the pasta salad, and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, fold in the shredded cheese.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice for this dish, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand like rotini, fusilli, or penne. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture.
Chicken: Cooked chicken is key for the flavor. Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to since it’s convenient and tasty. You can also swap it for canned chicken or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas.
Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. If it’s corn season, fresh corn adds a lovely crunch. Canned corn is fine but look for low-sodium versions if you’re watching your salt intake.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to really make this dish shine. You might also consider homemade or a different flavor like a honey BBQ or spicy version. Adjust the amount to suit your taste!
Vegetables: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color, but you could substitute green bell pepper for a milder flavor or use chopped cucumber for a fresh twist. Don’t forget elements like optional jalapeños to spice things up!
How Do I Properly Chill the Pasta Salad?
Chilling your pasta salad is crucial for letting the flavors blend together. Here’s how to do it right:
- After mixing everything, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- If possible, let it chill for an hour or even longer. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors from the barbecue sauce and seasonings.
- Before serving, give it a good stir. You may want to add a bit more barbecue sauce if it looks dry after chilling, as pasta can soak up the moisture.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup diced celery
For the Dressing and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and cook the pasta, plus at least 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes to have this yummy BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s nice and al dente (this means it should be firm to the bite!). Once it’s done, drain it well and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your cooked shredded or diced chicken, corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and diced celery. Give it a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Pour the barbecue sauce over the pasta mixture. Stir it all together until every ingredient is coated with the sauce. If you like it saucy, feel free to add a bit more BBQ sauce to taste!
4. Season and Add Extras:
Now it’s time to add the chopped cilantro, and season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste. If you want to make it extra cheesy, gently mix in the shredded cheese as well.
5. Chill Time:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will help the flavors blend together beautifully. You can prepare the other components of your meal during this time!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, spoon the chilled pasta salad into bowls. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce and add any toppings you like, such as jalapeños or hot sauce if you want a spicy kick. Dig in and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or even a gluten-free option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cooked Chicken?
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can easily use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or even shredded pulled pork. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu instead!
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again as some ingredients may settle, and consider adding a little extra barbecue sauce to revive the flavors.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, it’s easy to make this pasta salad vegan! Simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or grilled veggies, and skip the cheese. You can also ensure that the barbecue sauce is vegan-friendly by checking the ingredients.
