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.
Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/bbq-chicken-ranch-pasta-salad/