BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
This pasta salad combines tender grilled chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing. Tossed with pasta and topped with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying Mediterranean-friendly twist on a classic American cookout dish.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 medium chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta Salad
12 oz (340 g) pasta (rotini or penne works best)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black beans, rinsed & drained
½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
½ cup ranch dressing
3 tbsp BBQ sauce
Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente, drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
Grill the chicken
Rub chicken with olive oil, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
Grill on medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side (or bake at 200°C / 400°F for 18–20 minutes) until fully cooked.
Let rest, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, beans (if using), and cheese.
Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
Serve
Garnish with cilantro or parsley.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor, or enjoy immediately.
Notes & Tips
Make ahead: Best enjoyed within 24 hours, but keeps up to 3 days in the fridge.
Light version: Use Greek yogurt ranch or half ranch and half Greek yogurt.
Flavor boost: Add avocado cubes, roasted zucchini, or pickled jalapenos.
Vegan option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, use vegan ranch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes — shred and toss with a little BBQ sauce before adding to the salad.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — use gluten-free pasta.
Q: Should this be served warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways, but chilled brings out the flavors more.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 580 mg