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BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad - featured image
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A flavorful and easy-to-make pasta salad combining creamy ranch dressing with tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and fresh veggies. Perfect for summer potlucks and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet variety)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. If not already cooked, poach or roast chicken breasts and shred once cooled. Using rotisserie chicken saves time.
  3. Dice 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chop 1/2 cup celery, and slice 1/4 cup green onions. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, and 2 tablespoons mayonnaise until smooth. Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, chopped veggies, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly without mashing the pasta.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and salad firm up.
  8. Before serving, gently stir and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Add a splash of milk or extra ranch dressing if the salad seems dry.

Notes

Undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes to keep a firm bite after chilling. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour improves flavor melding. Adjust dressing amount to avoid soggy or dry salad. Smoked paprika adds subtle smoky depth. Transport in a sealed container with extra dressing for potlucks.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ranch chicken pasta salad, summer potluck salad, easy pasta salad, BBQ chicken salad, ranch dressing pasta salad

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/bbq-ranch-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-potluck-dish/