Hi friends! Did you guys have a good 3 day weekend? I had to work a little bit this evening, but I had most of the day off, and we had a great time on Sunday having friends and family over, grilling, eating tons of food, and later on playing Cards Against Humanity. It was my first time ever playing, and now I’m pretty much in love with the game. Everyone had a great time, and I got lots of compliments on the 5 new recipes I created for our get together.
But now I have to go back to real life, and it’s almost Tuesday, and Tuesday after a 3 day weekend is even worse than a regular Monday. But at least it’s a short week. And I do actually really enjoy my job, but I also really enjoy lounging around the house getting caught up on How I Met Your Mother.
So, let’s talk about this salad. Whenever people ask me what my tips are for staying healthy, one thing I always say is to make lunch over the weekend that you can take to work 4 out of the 5 days of your work week. Pick a day and go out to lunch because it’s fun, and it will help you from getting sick of eating the same thing, but I find that just making a lunch for the week keeps me on track–I know exactly what I’m going to eat, and I create something healthy and delicious that I’m excited to eat multiple days in a row.
That could not be more true about this salad. Sweet and spicy slow-cooked bbq chicken with plenty of veggies, creamy Greek yogurt, and bold cilantro make this salad absolutely irresistible. In fact, I found myself trying to eat it for lunch, dinner, and once even breakfast! It’s got tons of lean protein and healthy, whole grain carbs, with a good amount of veggies thrown in there too (and you can always add even more veggies!). You won’t even want to go rogue and hit up Subway if you have this stuff around!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 lb low sugar bbq sauce
- 2 cups dry whole grain penne (brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat, etc.)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 red or orange bell peppers, chopped
- handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Place chicken and bbq sauce in a slow cooker. Cook over low heat for 5 hours.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and use to forks to shred. It will come apart very easily.
- Place shredded chicken, cooked pasta and all remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine. If desired, spoon in a little extra bbq sauce from your slow cooker. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
You may use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast and approx 1/3 cup bbq sauce if you don't want to use a slow cooker.
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
I REALLY have to try the game Cards Against Humanity! I have heard such good things, lol!
Ari says
Oh girl, you would LOVE it!! I have the feeling we have really similar senses of humor. 🙂
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
This is a perfect packable lunch! Looks delish as always!
Ari says
Thanks Angela!
MIZ says
oooh and you had me with the GREEK YOGURT too.
Ari says
Right?? I love seriously anything with Greek yogurt. Might be my favorite food. Other than cilantro. And peanut butter. 🙂
Kierston @candyfit says
Love the addition of GY! Looks lasty 🙂
Ari says
Thanks Kierston! It definitely adds the creaminess and cuts some of the sweetness from the bbq sauce.
Maureen says
This is a perfect take to work for lunch leftover! I still need to play CAH….I hear it’s hilarious!
Ari says
I was sooo good about taking my lunch the week I made this–I really need to make it again! And yes, if you’re not easily offended CAH is AWESOME!! A friend brought it over, and now I NEED to buy it!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
This looks so delicious and easy! I need to pin it!
Ari says
So easy!! The slow-cooker approach makes almost all of the cooking hands off. Just boil up some pasta, and throw everything together. Thanks Kelli! 🙂
Katy @ KatysKitchen says
I’ve never thought of combining BBQ sauce with pasta but it sure looks like a great combination. I agree- having lunches ready to go is the best!
ashley - baker by nature says
Oooooh! I love this super savory spin on pasta salad!!!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Love your tip to make your lunches over the weekend AND treat yourself to a lunch out. I could definitely eat that salad all week long! Love the combo of BBQ chicken with pasta and greek yogurt.
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says
You always make the best things! I’m glad you had a wonderful long weekend!
Ari says
Awww you’re so sweet!! Thanks friend!!