Description
BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a delectable dish that combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ with the creamy tang of ranch dressing. Pasta salads like this one play an essential role in meals, especially during summer picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. Their versatility enables them to be served as a side or a main dish. With its vibrant ingredients and bold flavors, BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is not just easy to prepare, but it’s also a favorite among friends and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounce short pasta, such as rotini, penne, or bowtie
- 2 cup cooked or grilled chicken, chopped
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup corn, fresh, canned, or grilled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Toss the cooked or grilled chicken with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pasta, BBQ chicken, crumbled bacon, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Chill in the fridge if desired before serving.
Notes
For a healthier version, opt for low-fat ranch dressing or whole-grain pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg