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BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad - featured image
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A flavorful and creamy pasta salad combining smoky BBQ sauce with ranch dressing, tender chicken, and fresh crunchy veggies. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup smoky BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely, about 10 minutes.
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or grill 2 chicken breasts until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and red bell pepper, and finely chop red onion if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, smoky BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, and chopped veggies. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If in a rush, it can be served immediately.
  7. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and shredded cheese if desired. Toss gently and serve cold.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent stickiness and sogginess. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Add extra ranch or BBQ sauce if salad seems dry after chilling. Uniform chopping of veggies improves texture and appearance. Can substitute gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini for dietary needs. Use vegan ranch and honey-free BBQ sauce for dairy-free and vegan versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ranch chicken pasta salad, summer pasta salad, BBQ chicken salad, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, BBQ pasta salad

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/bbq-ranch-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-summer-side-dish/