If you are on the hunt for a dish that brings together smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors in one bowl, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a colorful, hearty, and utterly satisfying salad that combines tender grilled chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and tangy BBQ dressing all tossed with perfectly cooked bow tie pasta. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a potluck, or a backyard BBQ, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds. Let me take you through every step to make this crowd-pleaser your new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the smoky grilled chicken to the crunchy celery and creamy cheddar, every component contributes to the perfect balance of taste and visual appeal.
- 8 oz of bow tie pasta: The shape holds the dressing and bites nicely with veggies and meat.
- 2-3 ears of corn: Grilled and sheared off the cob for a sweet, smoky burst.
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Grilled and cubed to add protein and smokiness.
- 8 slices of bacon: Cooked crispy and chopped for rich crunch and savoriness.
- 1 bell pepper: Chopped for a fresh, sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 stalks of celery: Provides refreshing crispness and a subtle earthy note.
- 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese: Cubed for a melty, sharp contrast in every bite.
- 1 cup of mayo: The creamy base that brings all the flavors together in the dressing.
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand for that saucy, tangy punch.
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balance to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all other ingredients.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh herb garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Grill the Chicken and Corn
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to keep things simple yet flavorful. Husk the corn and rub it with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then fire up your grill. Cook both until they reach that perfect charred and juicy state, then allow them to rest so the juices redistribute. This grilling process is what lends the BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe its smoky foundation.
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Bacon
While your grill is cooling down, get the pasta boiling according to package instructions until al dente. At the same time, cook your bacon slices until crispy to ensure that satisfying crunch. Once done, drain pasta and chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. These two elements build substance and texture in the salad.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Cheese
Chop the bell pepper and celery into small, uniform pieces so every forkful gets a bit of fresh crunch. Cube the cheddar cheese for bursts of melty sharpness. Shear the grilled corn off the cob into a bowl, capturing that sweet smokiness. These colorful, crunchy ingredients balance the rich protein and creamy dressing perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
While your chicken and corn cool, mix together the mayo, your preferred BBQ sauce (I’m a fan of Sweet Baby Ray’s for this recipe), apple cider vinegar, and season it with salt and pepper. This dressing is thick, tangy, and creamy all at once, and it’s what truly makes this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe special and irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, cooled grilled chicken, corn, bacon, chopped bell pepper and celery, and cubes of cheddar cheese. Pour in the BBQ mayo dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. This salad shines whether served immediately at room temperature or chilled the next day after the flavors meld, making it wonderfully versatile.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe’s appearance and freshness, sprinkle on some chopped cilantro right before serving. You can also add a few extra crumbles of crispy bacon or a light dusting of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor and visual appeal. Garnishes take this dish from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is hearty enough to be a full meal, but if you want to complement it, consider serving it alongside grilled veggies, garlic bread, or even a fresh green salad. These sides add contrasting textures and keep the meal balanced and satisfying, perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics or parties, layering the salad with some extra dressing on top. Or present it in a hollowed-out bell pepper or pineapple bowl for a festive, eye-catching display that will spark compliments and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld even more beautifully after sitting overnight, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dish. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and mayo-based dressing, freezing is not recommended for this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. The texture of the vegetables and cheese can change and become watery once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating. If you prefer it slightly warm, simply allow it to sit out for 20-30 minutes to take off the chill rather than heating it directly, which may alter the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and still delivers great flavor, especially if you add a bit of extra BBQ sauce to keep that smoky punch.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet and tangy BBQ sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s complement this salad beautifully, but feel free to experiment with spicy or smoky varieties depending on your preference.
Can I substitute another type of pasta?
Yes, while bow tie pasta is ideal because it holds the dressing well, penne, rotini, or shells can be great alternatives so long as they’re cooked al dente.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors mingle. Just store it properly and stir before eating.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can leave out the chicken and bacon and add grilled tofu or extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to keep it hearty and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is genuinely one of those feel-good dishes that manages to be both comfort food and a fresh, colorful salad. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for so many occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how it quickly becomes a staple in your recipe rotation. Here’s to many delicious meals ahead!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings. It combines tender grilled chicken and sweet grilled corn with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy BBQ mayonnaise dressing. This salad is versatile served at room temperature or chilled and offers a delightful mix of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors that work together to create a satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz of bow tie pasta
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled and cubed)
- 8 slices of bacon (cooked and chopped)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2–3 ears of corn (grilled and sheared off the cob)
- 1 bell pepper (color of choice, chopped)
- 2 stalks of celery (chopped)
- 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese (cubed)
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
- 1.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Grill Chicken and Corn: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Husk the corn, rub with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill and cook the chicken and corn on the cob until fully cooked. Once done, remove and allow to rest so the juices redistribute and the corn cools for easier handling.
- Cook Pasta and Bacon: While the chicken and corn are resting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Simultaneously, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Vegetables and Cheese: Chop the bell pepper and celery into small pieces. Once the corn has cooled, shear the kernels off the cob into a small bowl. Cube the cheddar cheese into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste and whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, grilled chicken cubes, chopped bacon, bell pepper, celery, and cubed cheddar cheese. Pour the BBQ mayo dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish the salad with chopped cilantro. This salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor. It makes a great full meal or a side dish for your next barbecue.
Notes
- Grilling the corn and chicken adds a smoky flavor integral to the salad’s profile.
- Use just enough mayonnaise and BBQ sauce to lightly coat ingredients to avoid a heavy, soggy salad.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.
- The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days making it perfect for meal prepping.
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.
- Choose a mild to medium BBQ sauce based on your taste preference.
