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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Recipe

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of smoky grilled chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and a medley of fresh ingredients. Perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners, this versatile pasta salad is flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably low sugar)

Pasta Salad:

  • 1 pound short-cut pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed cheddar cheese
  • 3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 ears grilled or steamed corn, kernels removed
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and/or basil
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced

Creamy Ranch Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup olive oil mayonnaise
  • 1/41/2 tablespoon buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Grill the Chicken: Toss chicken with BBQ sauce and grill until cooked through and lightly charred.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and transfer to a salad bowl.
  3. Prepare the Salad: Add cheddar, romaine, tomatoes, corn, jalapeño, and herbs to the pasta.
  4. Make the Ranch Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients and adjust seasonings to taste.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Toss pasta with half the ranch dressing, add grilled chicken, and mix gently. Top with avocado, herbs, and additional dressing if desired. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

  • This salad can be prepared ahead of time for enhanced flavors.
  • Adjust spice levels to suit your preference.
  • Experiment with different herbs for varied tastes.

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