Description
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish that brings together tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy dressing. Ideal for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals, this salad balances the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken with the freshness of cilantro and avocado. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, it’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it a perfect option for family dinners or potlucks. Enjoy it as a main course or a delightful side dish that will impress at your next barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups uncooked pasta
- 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1/4 medium red onion, chopped
- Handful of cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 dashes Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce using a large Ziploc bag for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and cool under running water.
- Grill marinated chicken on medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Slice after cooling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cilantro, red onion, smoked cheddar cheese, avocado and dressing; mix gently.
- Top salad with sliced grilled chicken and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For added crunch and nutrition, serve over fresh greens or in lettuce wraps.