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Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad

Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad: Your Summer Flavor Fix

Delightful Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad combines juicy BBQ chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing, making it the perfect summer dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
  • 1 can canned corn or fresh corn if in season
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil for a lighter version
  • 1 large cucumber any type of salad cucumber
  • 1 large red bell pepper can use any colored bell pepper
  • 1 small red onion
  • 2 stalks green onions or chives
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese cubed
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces spiral-shaped pasta or small pasta like fusilli or cavatappi
For the Dressing
  • 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.
  3. Sauté the Corn: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add canned corn, and sauté for about 5 minutes until heated through.
  4. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until cooked through, then allow to cool.
  5. Chop the Vegetables: Dice cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces, then combine them in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Add Cheese: Cube cheddar cheese and add it to the bowl with the diced vegetables.
  7. Mix the Ranch Dressing: Prepare ranch dressing according to packet instructions and refrigerate for a few minutes.
  8. Combine the Sauces: Mix barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and remaining seasonings in a separate bowl.
  9. Fold in the Chicken: Combine cooled chicken with a portion of the barbecue sauce mixture.
  10. Dress the Salad: Combine cooled pasta, diced vegetables, sautéed corn, and chicken mixture in a large bowl. Drizzle with ranch dressing and additional barbecue sauce, then toss to coat.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra barbecue sauce and dried parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture (without pasta and dressing) for longer storage up to 3 months.

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