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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ chicken pasta salad with black beans, corn, and rotini in a large white bowl
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A smoky, creamy BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad made with rotini, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a bold homemade BBQ dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
  2. While the pasta cools, shred or dice the cooked chicken, finely chop the red onion, rinse and drain the black beans, and chop the cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, chicken, red onion, corn, black beans, and cilantro to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Stir before serving. If the salad has thickened, add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to loosen. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time – it adds great flavor to this BBQ chicken pasta salad.
  • The pasta will absorb the dressing as it chills. Stir in a little extra BBQ sauce or water before serving if needed.
  • For a lighter dressing, swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the mayo-based dressing will separate when thawed.
  • For extra crunch, add chopped red bell pepper or celery before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/bbq-chicken-pasta-salad/