Vegan BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
This Vegan BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a summer must make! Crisp veggies, charred vegan chicken and the best dairy-free creamy dressing!
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 8 ounces vegan chicken I used Daring
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 pound short pasta I used fusilli
- 1 jalapeño diced
- 1 head romaine chopped
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 small avocados cubed, or 1 large
FOR THE DRESSING
- 1 cup vegan mayo
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the vegan chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Spread in an even layer and allow to cook, undisturbed, until browned (approx. 2-3 minutes). Flip and brown the other side. Pour in the BBQ sauce and cook until the sauce has caramelized - be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into strips. Allow to cool while you prep the rest of the salad.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Set aside.
- Add the pasta, jalapeño, romaine, red onion, corn, cherry tomatoes and basil to a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss until everything is coated. Top with the vegan chicken & avocado and serve.
Video
Notes
- This can be served at room temperature or chilled. If chilling, wait to add the avocado until right before serving.
- You can toss the vegan chicken in with the pasta - it just looks nice on top for presentation.
- I used frozen vegan chicken from Daring. If you use a different brand you may want to adjust how you cook it – just check the package instructions.
Nutrition
Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 27g