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Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad

Savory Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Enjoy a refreshing Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad packed with smoky chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups spiral shaped pasta consider gluten-free pasta as an alternative
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts boneless and skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil substitute with any favored cooking oil
  • 1 cup whole kernel corn fresh corn is best in season
  • 1 medium seedless cucumber zucchini can serve as a hearty alternative
  • 1 medium red bell pepper any color of bell pepper can be used
  • 1 small red onion shallots are a milder substitute if desired
  • 2 stalks green onions chives can be used as a substitute
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese swap with Monterey Jack or Mozzarella as desired
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing homemade ranch is a fantastic alternative
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce Open Pit is a top choice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce adjust to personal taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spiral-shaped pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add corn and sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until golden.
  4. In the same skillet, cook the seasoned chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  5. Wash and dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Slice the green onions. Combine these in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Cut the cheddar cheese into cubes and add to the vegetable mixture.
  7. Prepare the ranch dressing and refrigerate briefly.
  8. Mix the barbecue sauce with soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and parsley.
  9. Toss the cooked chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture and return to low heat briefly.
  10. Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, BBQ chicken, and vegetable mix in a large bowl.
  11. Drizzle BBQ sauce into the ranch dressing, mix, and pour over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
  12. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Rinse pasta to prevent clumping and mix dressing just before serving for freshness.

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