Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad

I loosely modeled this pasta salad on the flavors of a BBQ chicken pizza. Red onions, cilantro, grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheddar often appear on those tasty pizzas. I used smoked cheddar in this recipe to add even more of that delicious smoky flavor to this cold chicken pasta salad.
There’s nothing stopping you from serving this with hot-off-the-grill chicken, but it’s just as good cold. 🙂
This BBQ chicken pasta salad is one of those easy things you can throw together for a summer BBQ, picnic, or potluck gathering that will please a crowd. It also makes some tasty leftovers!

Ingredients

• 2-3 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups uncooked pasta
• Handful cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 medium red onion, chopped (or to taste)
• 1 cup smoked cheddar, grated
• 1 avocado, chopped
• BBQ sauce for brushing on the chicken (start with 1/3 cup)
• Marinade:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 2 dashes Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Dressing:
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
• 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Butterfly the chicken then cut it in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. Add the chicken and the marinade ingredients to a large Ziploc bag and place in the fridge for 30 minutes. 
2. Meanwhile, make the dressing and set it aside until needed. Prep your cilantro, onion, cheddar, and avocado.
3. Start boiling a large salted pot of water. Cook pasta according to package directions. 
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for full instruction please see : www.saltandlavender.com

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