Description
This BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and picnics. It combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta, cooled
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta, then set aside.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- Prepare dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Stir gently before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe and saves time.
- You can add diced avocado, black beans, or crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- This pasta salad is great for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
