Bbq Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
This BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender pasta, juicy grilled chicken, sweet corn, and a zesty ranch dressing, all tossed together for a perfect summer meal. It's great for gatherings, picnics, or as a meal prep option.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 grill or grill pan
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken about 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels frozen or canned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- optional fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or cook them in a grill pan on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce until well combined. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture.
- Toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 hours before serving for flavors to meld.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers.
This dish can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go meal.