BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

A tasty pasta blend with smoky chicken, bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy BBQ dressing, ready in under 40 minutes.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound gluten-free pasta

02 - 1 teaspoon olive oil

→ Meat

03 - 4 ounces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

04 - 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

→ Vegetables and Legumes

05 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

06 - 1 cup corn kernels

07 - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

08 - 1/2 cup red onion, diced

09 - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

→ Sauces and Condiments

10 - 1/3 cup barbecue sauce

11 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise

→ Herbs and Seasonings

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Prepare pasta according to package instructions, drain thoroughly, then toss with olive oil. Stir every 5 minutes while cooling to prevent sticking.

02 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

03 - Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

04 - Combine cooled pasta, crispy bacon, chicken, red bell pepper, corn, black beans, and red onion in a large bowl.

05 - Whisk together barbecue sauce and mayonnaise. Pour over salad mixture, add cilantro and green onions, then toss to coat evenly.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For best flavor, cook chicken and bacon a day ahead. Optional additions include diced avocado, tomatoes, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, or crunchy corn chips.

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