Description
A delightful blend of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables tossed in a creamy BBQ dressing—perfect for summer gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces gluten-free pasta (or regular pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup corn (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for flavoring)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for creamy dressing)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool and chop it into pieces.
- Grill or Pan-Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Let it rest before slicing.
- Toss in Veggies and Beans: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, red bell pepper, corn, black beans, red onion, and crispy bacon.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or BBQ sauce if necessary.
- Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve chilled, garnished with cilantro and green onions. This dish is great as a side or a main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: BBQ, pasta salad, summer recipe, chicken salad, gluten-free