Go Back
Pasta salads have long been a staple at gatherings, picnics, and weeknight dinners, celebrated for their versatility and ease of preparation. These crowd-pleasers are perfect for feeding a group or simply enjoying as a quick and satisfying meal at home. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes, the Zesty BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad stands out as a vibrant and flavorful twist on the traditional concept. This dish combines the heartiness of pasta with the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken, making it an exciting centerpiece for any meal.

Zesty BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad

Discover the delicious Zesty BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad, a flavorful twist on a classic favorite that's perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or cozy family dinners. This vibrant dish combines rotini pasta, tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and a unique blend of zesty BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, this salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing everyone together for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the delightful textures and flavors in every bite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (using grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (can be fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1 cup grilled zucchini, diced (optional for added flavor)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (select your favorite flavor for a personal touch)

1/4 cup ranch dressing

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken isn't shredded yet, take the cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands for ease of handling.

      Mix the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and (if you chose to include it) the grilled zucchini. Stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled rotini pasta and shredded chicken to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Using a spatula, gently toss all the ingredients until they are well combined without breaking the pasta.

          Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.

            Dress the Salad: Pour the BBQ ranch dressing over the pasta salad mixture, using your spatula to fold the dressing in. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the dressing.

              Add Cheese: Carefully fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the salad for a delicious cheesy bite in every scoop.

                Chill and Serve: Cover the newly blended pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give the salad a thorough stir and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour (including chill time) | Serves 6

                    Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large, shallow bowl for a family-style dish, or in individual portions for a more elegant presentation. Optionally, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar and a few extra cherry tomato halves on top for visual appeal.