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Easy BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad perfect for summer potlucks, combining smoky BBQ chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta, cooked al dente
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside to drain well.
  2. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or chop it into bite-size pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it rest before chopping.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup ranch dressing, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, and 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust if you want a smokier or tangier kick.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, chicken, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 3–4 sliced green onions, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over everything.
  5. Using a spatula, fold the dressing into the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep textures intact.
  6. Add salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika if using. Toss lightly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking. Whisk dressing well before mixing to avoid separation. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting. Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free BBQ sauce and ranch dressing for a gluten-free version. May substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken pasta salad, ranch chicken pasta salad, summer potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, BBQ ranch salad

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-bbq-ranch-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-for-perfect-summer-potlucks/