Description
This vibrant and hearty **BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad** combines tender pasta, juicy shredded chicken, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing that brings all the flavors together in every bite. It’s a versatile dish that can be served at parties, family dinners, or as a side to any grilled meal. The creamy dressing, paired with the smokiness of BBQ sauce, makes this salad stand out from your typical pasta salads.
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups dry pasta (rotini, penne, or bow tie)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, rotisserie, or BBQ)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or roasted)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup green onions, sliced
½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
BBQ Ranch Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup ranch dressing
¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool.
2. Prepare Chicken
If not using pre-cooked, grill or pan-cook 2 chicken breasts, then shred or dice.
Optional: toss chicken in 2–3 tbsp BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
3. Make Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and vinegar.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Salad
In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, chicken, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, green onions, and cheese.
Pour dressing over salad and toss until everything is coated.
5. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (better if 1–2 hours).
Garnish with extra green onions or cilantro before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor and texture, garnish your Ultimate BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad with chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or crispy fried onions. A squeeze of fresh lime or an extra drizzle of ranch dressing can also elevate the taste.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
Keywords: BBQ pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, BBQ chicken salad, creamy pasta salad