Bbq Bliss Pasta Salad Chicken Bacon Edition with Smoked Paprika Mayo

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with Bacon My BBQ Bliss Recipe

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved that summer BBQ taste in a salad? This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with bacon is your answer! It's smoky, creamy, and packed with flavor.

It's like having a BBQ chicken salad recipe that's also a complete meal.

Brief Overview

Chicken Pasta Salad is a summer classic! This recipe takes inspiration from classic Cold Salad recipes but gives it a BBQ twist.

It's easy, takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, and makes enough for 6-8 people. Perfect for sharing!

Main Benefits

This summer BBQ pasta salad is a powerhouse of protein and flavor. It's the perfect potluck pasta salad recipe because everyone loves it.

What makes it special? That Smoked paprika mayo pasta salad dressing!

BBQ Bliss: Chicken & Bacon Edition

Honestly, this recipe is a game changer. I first made this for a family BBQ chicken salad recipe . My cousins raved about it. Everyone wanted the recipe!

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad has a special place in my heart. I created it when I needed a quick dish for a last minute picnic.

It was a hit! And now, I want to share it with you!

It's so easy to make, even I can manage. And trust me, that's saying something. The key is the homemade Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad With Bacon .

It elevates the dish from good to amazing.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with smoked paprika mayo. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

You might even have some of this stuff already kicking about in your kitchen. I know I did when I first gave this a go!

Main Ingredients

Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The better the quality, the tastier the BBQ chicken salad recipe will be! Look for plump chicken with consistent color.
Pasta: 1 lb (450g) rotini, penne, or whatever shape tickles your fancy.
Bacon: 8 slices because, well, bacon. Make sure it's good quality streaky bacon that gets nice and crispy.

Precise measurements (US & metric)

BBQ Sauce: ½ cup (120ml) for the chicken and ¼ cup (60ml) for the mayo.
Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240ml) . Go for full fat or light, whatever you prefer.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
Honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml) for the chicken and 1 teaspoon (5ml) for the mayo. This is what makes the dressing pop in this Smoked paprika mayo pasta salad.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) for the chicken and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) for the mayo.
Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional). For a bit of a kick, innit?
Frozen Corn: 1 cup (150g) , thawed (or fresh grilled).
Canned Black Beans: 1 cup (170g) , rinsed and drained.
Red Onion: ½ cup (50g) , finely diced.
Cilantro/Parsley: ½ cup (50g) , chopped (for garnish).

Seasoning Notes

For this Creamy BBQ chicken pasta salad , smoked paprika is the MVP. It adds warmth and depth. Cayenne pepper is optional, but it does give a cheeky little kick.

If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar will work at a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Honestly, you don't need anything fancy. A grill (or grill pan), a large pot, a large bowl, a whisk, and your usual bits and bobs.

A grill pan works wonders if you don't have a proper BBQ.

Equipment

Grill (or grill pan).
Large pot.
Large bowl.
Whisk.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Cutting board.
Knife.

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad recipe is all about bringing those Summer BBQ pasta salad vibes to your table. I hope you enjoy making it, and even more, enjoy eating it! It makes a wonderful Potluck pasta salad recipe .

Don't forget to chill it before serving for the best Cold Salad experience.

Cooking Method

Let's talk about making this amazing BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with a smoky mayo dressing. It's easier than you think! Honestly, I used to be intimidated.

But now, it’s my go-to for summer gatherings. This Chicken Pasta Salad is a proper winner every single time.

Prep Steps

First things first, get everything ready. This is your mise en place , darling! Chop the red onion. Thaw the corn.

Cook the bacon. Make sure the chicken is marinating. This saves time later. Think of it as your culinary zen moment.

Keep raw chicken separate. We don’t want any nasty bugs spoiling the fun.

step-by-step Process

Here's the breakdown for this killer Summer BBQ pasta salad :

Marinate chicken for 25 minutes at least.
Cook bacon until crispy.
Whisk together mayo dressing. Chill for 30 minutes . It helps the Smoked paprika mayo pasta salad pop.
Cook pasta al dente.
Grill chicken until internal temp is 165° F/ 74° C .
Combine everything in a bowl.
Toss with dressing. Boom!

Pro Tips

Okay, listen up. Don't overcook the pasta. Nobody likes mushy Salad Pasta . For extra flavour, add a little smoked paprika to your mayo.

It gives the pasta salad that je ne sais quoi .

I always make the dressing ahead of time. It sits in the fridge for a day or so. Honestly? It tastes even better the next day.

A common mistake? Using too much dressing! Go easy at first. You can always add more.

This Bbq Chicken Pasta Salad with bacon will be your new best friend. It's a flavour party in a bowl, a true BBQ Chicken Salad recipe .

Make it for your next potluck and watch it disappear. Everyone loves a good Potluck pasta salad recipe , especially when it's this good.

Enjoy your Cold Salad ! You can make Creamy BBQ chicken pasta salad .

Recipe Notes

This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with smoked paprika mayo is like a party in your mouth. Honestly, it's that good.

Let's dive into some crucial notes to make yours the talk of the town.

Serving like a Boss: Plating and Presentation

Presentation matters, you know? For a BBQ chicken salad recipe , pile it high in a nice bowl. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color.

Wanna be fancy? Serve individual portions in mason jars. It's all about that Instagrammable moment! For sides, try some coleslaw.

Think about a simple salad pasta to pair with this cold salad .

Storage: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Sweet! This Chicken Pasta Salad keeps well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 3-4 days .

Freezing isn't ideal, as the mayo can separate. Reheating? Not recommended. This Summer BBQ pasta salad is best served chilled.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Feeling adventurous? Go wild! For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayo. Swap the bacon for avocado for a veggie twist.

Seasonally, throw in some roasted butternut squash in the autumn. You can even make a Creamy BBQ chicken pasta salad .

Nutrition: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's be real. This isn’t exactly a health food. But it's got protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans.

Plus, the BBQ sauce adds antioxidants. A Smoked paprika mayo pasta salad is a great Potluck pasta salad recipe .

Right, so there you have it. The BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with bacon is amazing. So don’t be shy, get in the kitchen and try it.

You’ll absolutely love it. Remember to adjust to your taste and have fun, and it's a guaranteed success. Cheers to your next summer bash!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with this recipe ahead of time, or will it get soggy?

Absolutely! This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad actually tastes better if made a few hours in advance, as it gives the flavors time to meld. To prevent it from getting soggy, cook your pasta al dente and don't overdress it. You can also reserve some of the dressing and add it just before serving.

Think of it like a good cup of tea, sometimes it needs to steep!

I'm not a whiz in the kitchen. Is this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad difficult to make?

Not at all! This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is designed to be easy peasy. The recipe involves grilling some chicken, cooking pasta, and mixing everything together with a homemade BBQ mayo. Even if you're new to cooking, following the steps should be a breeze.

If you can boil water and grill a chicken breast, you're golden!

What are some good variations I can try with this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with Smoked Paprika Mayo recipe?

The possibilities are endless! For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mayo. If you are feeling like something else, try replacing the chicken with grilled halloumi for a vegetarian option, or pulled pork for a heartier version.

You can also use different types of beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, instead of black beans.

How long does BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad last in the fridge, and what's the best way to store it?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it's cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.

Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to add a splash of milk or a little extra dressing before serving. Just like leftovers after Sunday roast, best eaten within a few days!

Can I lighten up this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad to make it a bit healthier?

Absolutely! To lighten up this recipe, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of full fat mayonnaise in the dressing. You can also use whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free alternative to increase the fiber content.

Adding more veggies like bell peppers, cucumber, or tomatoes will also boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor. You can swap the bacon out for turkey bacon as well!

What are the nutritional considerations for this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with Smoked Paprika Mayo?

This salad provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. However, the BBQ sauce and mayonnaise can be high in sugar and fat, respectively. Be mindful of portion sizes and choose lower sugar BBQ sauces and light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce the overall calorie count.

Also, consider the sodium content, which can be high depending on the BBQ sauce and bacon used. It's a tasty treat, but like all good things, enjoy in moderation!