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High Protein BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

High Protein BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

This High Protein BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is loaded with chicken, pasta, black beans, vegetables, and creamy BBQ dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts cooked and diced
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 red onion finely diced
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • For the BBQ Dressing
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until fully cooled to stop the cooking process.
  3. While the pasta cools, season the chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired, then cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  6. Add the diced chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and green onions to the bowl with the pasta.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  8. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the salad and mix lightly once more.
  10. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together.
  11. Toss again before serving and garnish with extra cilantro or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water to cool it quickly and prevent sticking.
  • Greek yogurt adds protein while keeping the dressing creamy.
  • Let the chicken cool slightly before mixing into the salad.
  • Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
  • Chill the salad before serving for the best taste.
  • Add extra dressing if the pasta absorbs too much while refrigerated.