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Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad

Summer-Ready Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad That Delights

This Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Spiral Shaped Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for dietary considerations
  • 2 breasts Chicken Breasts Skinless and boneless for easier prep
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Enhances flavor and aids in searing
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt Substitute with regular salt and fresh garlic if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Use white pepper for a lighter flavor
  • 1 cup Whole Kernel Corn Fresh corn is ideal
  • 1 cup Seedless Cucumber Zucchini can be used as a substitute
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Other bell pepper varieties can also be used
  • 1 medium Red Onion Shallots can be substituted for a milder taste
  • 3 stalks Green Onions Chives work well as an alternative
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Alternatives include Monterey Jack or Mozzarella
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Homemade ranch can be a healthier choice
  • 1/2 cup Barbecue Sauce Recommended: Open Pit, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Adjust quantity based on preference
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the spiral-shaped pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water until the pasta cools. Set it aside to drain completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper. Set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the whole kernel corn and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it turns golden.
  4. In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Dice the seedless cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and green onions into small pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Add the chopped cheddar cheese to the bowl of vegetables and mix gently.
  7. Prepare the ranch dressing and chill it. In another bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried parsley.
  8. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, coat it in the barbecue sauce mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  9. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed corn, coated chicken, diced vegetables, and cheddar cheese; gently fold everything together.
  10. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  11. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use the freshest vegetables and poultry for best flavor. Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent sticking.

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