Go Back
–+ servings
Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad

Savory Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Picnics

A colorful Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad that's perfect for summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Rotisserie chicken can save cooking time.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Any cooking oil will work if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt Can be replaced with regular salt.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Fresh ground pepper adds extra depth.
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Spiral Pasta Substitute with whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
  • 1 cup Whole Kernel Corn Frozen corn may be used as an alternative.
  • 1 piece Cucumber Substitute with bell pepper or celery if desired.
  • 1 piece Red Bell Pepper Any bell pepper color works too.
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Can swap with green onions for a milder taste.
  • 2 pieces Green Onions Optional, but enhances the overall flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Ranch Dressing Any store-bought or homemade dressing works.
  • 0.5 cup Barbecue Sauce Choose your favorite brand.
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Can omit or substitute with gluten-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Optional but recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Optional to enhance flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano A little goes a long way for taste!
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley Optional for garnish.
For the Finish
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Substitute with feta cheese or omit.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season 2 chicken breasts with garlic salt and black pepper, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  2. Remove from heat, let cool for a few minutes, and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of spiral pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
  1. In the large bowl with cooled pasta, add the chopped chicken, 1 cup of whole kernel corn, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, ½ chopped red onion, and 2 chopped green onions. Gently toss the mixture until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Dressing
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of ranch dressing, ½ cup of barbecue sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and optional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and parsley.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently to ensure that every ingredient is evenly coated.
Step 5: Fold in Cheese
  1. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the salad, carefully folding it in to combine with the other ingredients.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, dish out the Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad into bowls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken can save time without sacrificing taste. Letting your salad chill enhances the flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!