Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is packed with flavor and texture—tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, and crunchy veggies all tossed with pasta. It’s simple to make, feeds a crowd, and is always a hit at gatherings. Plus, it can be served chilled or slightly warm, making it versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work best)
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Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
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Barbecue sauce
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Ranch dressing
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Red onion, finely diced
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Bell peppers, chopped
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Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
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Cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
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Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, onion, bell peppers, corn, and cheese.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce and ranch dressing until smooth.
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Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
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Season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy BBQ sauce.
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Tex-Mex Style: Toss in black beans, avocado, or pico de gallo.
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Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt ranch or a light ranch dressing.
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Veggie Boost: Add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
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Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as the dressing may settle. This dish is best served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, it’s a quick and flavorful option.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta hold the dressing well.
Can I use homemade ranch dressing?
Yes, homemade ranch adds even more flavor.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Any favorite brand works—smoky, spicy, or sweet depending on your taste.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and add extra veggies or beans.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse with cold water after cooking and toss with a little oil if needed.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
No, it doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing.
Can I serve this warm instead of cold?
Yes, you can serve it slightly warm, though it’s traditionally chilled.
What can I serve with this pasta salad?
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken ranch pasta salad is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that combines smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors in one bowl. Easy to make ahead and versatile enough for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at family dinners, cookouts, and potlucks alike.
BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
This BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines smoky BBQ chicken, creamy ranch dressing, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleasing pasta salad that eats like a meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne works best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
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In a large bowl, toss chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
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In a separate bowl, mix ranch dressing with a spoonful of BBQ sauce for a creamy, smoky dressing.
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Combine pasta, BBQ chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheddar, and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
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Pour in the ranch-BBQ dressing and toss until evenly coated.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro, then refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use leftover grilled chicken for extra smoky flavor.
- Add avocado or bell peppers for more freshness.
- Make it ahead—the flavors develop even more after chilling.