BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 Cup Cooked Chicken (diced); 1 Can Black Beans (Rinsed and Drained); 1 1/2 Cup Corn (Rinsed and Drained); 1 Bunch Green Onions (Chopped and diced); 1/2 Cup Tomato (Diced); 1/4 Cup Ranch Dressing Mix; 1 Cup Sour Cream; 1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce; 1 lb Pasta; 2 Cup Corn Chips (Frito Chips); 1/2 -1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (Optional)

Published on June 12, 2021 by Devour Dinner | 31 Comments

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5 from 6 votes

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Psst, the flavor profile in this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad makes my heart so happy. It's a staple summer salad recipe for our family as a summer recipe that hits the spot for pot lucks, an evening at the park, family reunions or just because. With zesty flavor and a cinch to make, you will be going back for seconds and more.

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What you won't expect with this salad as how loaded with flavors and texture it is. It's a party in your mouth, trust me. And the hidden ingredient that makes this recipe pop? It's a powered Ranch mix. That simple seasoning helps balance everything and give a zing of zesty goodness.

★★★★★

"Made this salad for our Zumba Class Wine Down and potluck. It was a winner for EVERYONE!"

~ Cathi

This recipe is a favorite when using leftover Chicken. Here is my recipe on how to cook a Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot or use Rotisserie Chicken. But any leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

Prepare Ahead & Save Time Later

I like this salad cold, so the earlier I can get my pasta done and cooling the better. I also get giddy when I have my dinner planned and mostly done well before dinner time. I feel so productive.

While the pasta is cooking, I cut up my chicken if I’m using a rotisserie, or I quickly cook up Shredded Chicken in the Instant Pot, either way it’s pretty easy to accomplish this while the pasta is cooking.

You can also chop up the tomatoes, green onions, and cheese too! And set them aside or store separately until you want to throw the salad together.

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Shopping List

Chicken - Cooked Cubed or Shredded Chicken
Beans - Kidney, Black or Pinto Beans Rinsed and Drained
Corn - Sweet Canned Corn Rinsed and Drained
Onions - Green Onions 1 bunch chopped or Red Onions diced
Spices - Ranch Dressing Mix
Sour Cream - Regular, Light, or Greek Yogurt
BBQ Sauce - What's your favorite? Mine is Sweet Baby Rays
Pasta - Curly is more fun!
Chips - Frito Corn Chips or Honey BBQ Chips
Cheese - Cheddar Cheese or a blend of cheeses grated or cubed

How to make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad?

This recipe calls for Cooked Cubed or Shredded Chicken. Rotisserie Chicken works perfectly or even leftover chicken.
Add 1 lb Pasta with enough water to cover pasta in Instant Pot and pressure cook for 5 minutes with a 5-minute Natural Pressure Release. OR Cook pasta on stovetop according to package directions.

Bowl with Chicken, Beans, Corn, Tomato, Onion and Pasta

Rinse Pasta in cool water and drain.
Rinse and Drain Corn and Beans. I prefer Black Beans. Kidney or Pinto Beans are also a great substitute.
Dice Onions and Tomatoes
In a small bowl mix Powdered Ranch Dressing Mix and Sour Cream together. Mix until blended. Stir in BBQ Sauce. Mix together and set aside.
In a large bowl combine cubed chicken, beans, corn, onion, tomatoes, and pasta. Toss and mix all ingredients.

BBQ Ranch Sauce and Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Add sauce and mix to combine.
Before serving add chips and lightly toss to combine. Add cheese on top, optional.

Recipe Secrets Revealed

Tips and tricks to make this recipe turn out perfect every time

Substitute Fritos Flavor Twist Honey BBQ Chips for an extra punch of flavor
Use Greek Yogurt in place of Sour Cream
Powered Ranch Dressing Mix is the key to adding the extra zest of flavor you didn't know you needed
Add chips right before serving to keep them crispy and fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with Ranch

How long will Pasta Salad last in Fridge?

Pasta Salad will last 3-4 days when kept in the fridge and stored covered in a sealed container.

How can I add Flavor to Pasta Salad?

Adding flavor to Pasta salad can be done by cooking pasta using broth when cooked in the Instant Pot / Electric Pressure Cooker. This will infuse the pasta with the flavors from the broth.

Should you Rinse Pasta?

When serving a cold pasta salad or serving pasta at a later time it's best to rinse pasta to remove excess starches.

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★★★★★

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Don't stop with just this salad, why not try these other Tried and True Pot Luck Salads too!

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5 from 6 votes

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad is full of zesty flavors that will wow your taste buds. Whip up this easy meal with cubed chicken.

Prep Time1

Cook Time5

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Ingredients

2 Cup Cooked Chicken - diced
1 Can Black Beans - Rinsed and Drained
1 ½ Cup Corn - Rinsed and Drained
1 Bunch Green Onions - Chopped and diced
½ Cup Tomato - Diced
¼ Cup Ranch Dressing Mix
1 Cup Sour Cream
½ Cup BBQ Sauce
1 lb Pasta
2 Cup Corn Chips - Frito Chips
½ -1 Cup Cheddar Cheese - Optional

Instructions

This recipe calls for Cooked Cubed or Shredded Chicken. Rotisserie Chicken works perfectly or even leftover chicken.
Add 1 lb Pasta with enough water to cover pasta in Instant Pot and pressure cook for 5 minutes with a 5-minute Natural Pressure Release. OR Cook pasta on stovetop according to package directions. Broth can be substituted for water to infuse pasta with more flavor
Rinse Pasta in cool water and drain.
Rinse and Drain Corn and Beans. I prefer Black Beans. Kidney or Pinto Beans are also a great substitute.
Dice Onions and Tomatoes
In a small bowl mix Powdered Ranch Dressing Mix and Sour Cream together. Mix until blended. Stir in BBQ Sauce. Mix together and set aside.
In a large bowl combine cubed chicken, beans, corn, onion, tomatoes, and pasta. Toss and mix all ingredients.
Add sauce and mix to combine.
Before serving add chips and lightly toss to combine. Add cheese on top, optional.

Notes

Pasta Salad Tips

Add BBQ Ranch Dressing to pasta and wait to add Frito Chips until ready to serve. Chips will become soggy and absorb all the dressing making the pasta dry.

How long will Pasta Salad last in Fridge?

Pasta Salad will last 3-4 days when kept in the fridge and stored covered in a sealed container.

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Have you made this recipe?Mention @devourdinner or tag us #devourdinner! Please leave a comment and rating below. Thank you!

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.

Nutrition

I've recently updated BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad. It's the same great recipe with more information, tips and directions for the Instant Pot. But otherwise the same great recipe.

As it's always fun to look back, I love to keep some of the older photos to enjoy. I hope you love the new photos more than the old. 😉

Updated Recipe June 2021