Go Back
+ servings
Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad

Ultimate Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad for Summer Bliss

This Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish ideal for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts Consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Any neutral oil can work as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Salt Feel free to use regular salt and fresh garlic if you prefer.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Corn (canned) Frozen corn makes a great alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Replace with margarine or omit for a lighter version.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Zucchini can be a tasty swap.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Any type of bell pepper will do.
  • 0.5 medium Red Onion Green onions can be a milder choice.
  • 2 medium Green Onions Chives can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a fun twist.
  • 1 lb Spiral Pasta Consider using fusilli, gemelli, or cavatappi.
For the Dressing
  • 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Feel free to substitute with any ranch dressing mix.
  • 1 cup Barbecue Sauce Any favorite brand will work.
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce Low-sodium can be used if desired.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic makes a good substitute.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onion makes a good substitute.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can replace this herb.
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Italian seasoning can replace this herb.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, chop 1 pound of chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 1 cup of canned corn and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is lightly browned and fragrant.
  4. In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken over medium-high heat. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally with a spatula, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  5. Prepare the vegetables by dicing 1 cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, half a red onion, and a few green onions. Place the diced vegetables into the large bowl with the cooked pasta.
  6. Next, chop 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes. Add the cheese to the mixing bowl with the pasta and vegetables.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packet according to the package instructions. Once mixed, place the dressing in the refrigerator.
  8. While the dressing is chilling, make your barbecue sauce mixture. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of garlic and onion powders. Toss the cooked chicken with a portion of this mixture.
  9. In the large bowl containing the pasta, vegetables, and cheese, add the sautéed corn and the coated chicken. Drizzle with the chilled ranch dressing and toss everything together gently.
  10. Prepare to serve your Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad by garnishing it with a drizzle of additional barbecue sauce and ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store your Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!