Are you looking for a way to take your grilled chicken pasta salad to the next level for your summer BBQ parties? Look no further! Making your own homemade dressing is easier than you think and can make all the difference in elevating the flavor of your dish. In this post, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe for a delicious and versatile dressing that will impress your guests and have them asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

How to Make a Homemade Dressing to Elevate Your Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad for BBQ Parties

Introduction

When it comes to hosting BBQ parties, a grilled chicken pasta salad is an all-time favorite and versatile option. While the recipe itself is quite easy to make, what sets it apart is the dressing. A homemade dressing made from fresh, flavorful ingredients can completely elevate the taste of your salad. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making a cilantro and pepita dressing that will make your salad the talk of the town.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of ingredients you will need to make the dressing:

• 1 cup roasted pepitas
• 2 tablespoons diced garlic
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup Cotija cheese
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• Anaheim chili

Making the Dressing

Follow these steps to make the Cilantro Pepita dressing:

1. Start by grilling an Anaheim chili and peeling it.
2. In a blender or a food processor, add the roasted pepitas, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper, Cotija cheese, vinegar, mayonnaise, and the grilled Anaheim chili.
3. Blend it all together until it’s smooth.
4. At this stage, you can taste and adjust the seasoning as required.

Grilling the Chicken

Here’s how you can prepare the chicken for your salad:

1. Preheat your grill, and while the grill heats, generously apply Bartlow’s BBQ rub on the chicken breasts.
2. When the grill is hot, grill the chicken breasts until they are cooked to an internal temperature of around 160°F.
3. Once the chicken breasts are cooked, wrap them up in foil and chill them in the refrigerator before adding them to your salad.

Assembling the Salad

Now that you have made the dressing and grilled your chicken, it’s time to put it all together:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and strain it.
2. Cut the grilled chicken breasts into small pieces and mix them with the pasta.
3. Add chopped veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions to the mixture.
4. Pour the Cilantro Pepita dressing over the mix and toss everything together.
5. Your Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad is now ready to serve.

Pro-tip: Add the dressing to your salad right before serving to keep it fresh and luscious.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

2. What else can I use the cilantro pepita dressing for?
   This dressing can be used as a dip or sauce for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and even fish.

3. Can I use leftover grilled chicken in the salad?
   Yes, you can use leftover grilled chicken in the salad.

4. What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
   You can use feta cheese as a substitute or leave it out altogether.

5. Is the recipe suitable for vegetarians?
   The recipe can be made vegetarian by simply omitting the grilled chicken.

Conclusion

Making a homemade dressing for your Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad can take it from good to great. By following these simple steps, you can create a dressing that’s not only delicious but healthy too. So next time you’re planning a BBQ party or picnics, remember to give this recipe a try and let your guests be amazed by your culinary skills.