Description
BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a delicious summer side dish packed with tender chicken, pasta, crisp vegetables, cheese, and a creamy ranch BBQ dressing. This easy cold pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, meal prep, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini pasta or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the BBQ Ranch Dressing
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Avocado chunks
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Extra BBQ sauce drizzle
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add cooled pasta, chicken, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and green onions to a large bowl.
- Add the dressing: Pour the BBQ ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Adjust flavors: Before serving, stir the salad and add extra dressing, BBQ sauce, or seasonings if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with bacon, avocado, tortilla chips, or fresh herbs and enjoy chilled.
Notes
For the best flavor, make this pasta salad a few hours ahead of time. Add avocado and crunchy toppings right before serving to keep them fresh. Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick shortcut, and leftover grilled chicken adds extra smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: bbq chicken ranch pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, ranch pasta salad recipe, bbq side dish, summer pasta salad, potluck recipe, cold pasta salad
