Description
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish combining grilled chicken, fresh corn, crispy bacon, and a tangy BBQ mayo dressing. Perfect as a main meal or a side dish for summer gatherings, it balances smoky, creamy, and fresh ingredients for a crowd-pleasing salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Proteins
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and cubed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2-3 ears of corn, grilled and sheared off the cob
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (color of choice)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Butter for rubbing on corn before grilling
Instructions
- Season and Grill Chicken and Corn: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Husk the corn and rub each ear with butter, then season with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill and cook the chicken and corn until fully cooked, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove and let both rest.
- Cook Pasta and Bacon: While the grill items are resting, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Also, cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into pieces.
- Prepare Vegetables and Cheese: Chop the bell pepper and celery into bite-sized pieces. Cube the cheddar cheese. Shear the grilled corn kernels off the cobs into a bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, grilled chicken cubes, chopped bacon, bell pepper, celery, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: This salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for enhanced flavors. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. It makes a great main dish or a tasty side for your BBQ.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grilled chicken and corn for maximum smoky flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the BBQ sauce with your preferred brand or spiciness level.
- This salad holds up well for next-day meals and tastes even better chilled.
- You can add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra tangy zing if desired.
- Make sure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness in the salad.
