Description
A smoky, creamy BBQ chicken pasta salad packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a tangy barbecue ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
3. In a large bowl whisk together the barbecue sauce and ranch dressing until smooth.
4. Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro.
5. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Rotini works especially well because the ridges hold onto the dressing.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.
You can substitute green onions for red onion for a milder flavor.
For extra flavor add diced avocado or a squeeze of lime before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg