Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad

This easy Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad is simple to make with just 10 ingredients and is perfect to make in advance for picnics and potlucks. We also love to make a big batch for eating throughout a busy week.

Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad is a side dish that everyone will love and is also easy to make. Many years ago, I used to make the original version at Pampered Chef parties, and it was always a guaranteed hit. My family tells me my version is better than the original, what a compliment!

This is my own version of the salad since I’ve made many tweaks over the past several years. It’s a great make-ahead option for entertaining since it also has less than 10 ingredients.

Pasta salad is one of our favorite side dish recipes, serve this BBQ pasta salad alongside our Macaroni Salad and Classic Pasta Salad and you’ll have the whole neighborhood wanting to come over for your summer cookouts!

Reader review: “I was going through my old recipes the other day and found my old Pampered Chef recipe but somehow it had gotten wet and I couldn’t read some of the measurements — found yours, love it even better, especially the low-carb pasta idea! YAY!” – Kathi

Reader review: “OMGosh. I love bbq and bbq pasta salad, YUMMY!!!” – Joy

Laura Ashley’s Tip: For easier preparation, you can use ready-made bacon and rotisserie or grilled chicken instead of cooking them from scratch at home.

Why You’ll Like this Recipe

• Can be served as a Main Course or Side Dish: With tender pasta, juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and crunchy vegetables, this pasta salad is a complete meal in itself.
• Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients: Barbecue chicken pasta salad is a versatile side dish that can be customized to individual preferences!
• Make-Ahead Ease: This hearty pasta salad pairs with nearly any spread and is a great make-ahead, simple recipe for a get-together. This makes for easier entertaining!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Cooked Pasta: A curly noodle varieties is the base of the salad and provides a hearty and satisfying texture. My favorite pasta is rotini or lower carb Al Dente Carba-nada Cavatappi!
• Red Onion: Adds freshness and a sharp and tangy flavor.
• Green Pepper: Provides a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a nutty and salty flavor.
• Grilled Chicken: Serves as the star protein of the salad, adding smoky flavor and juicy tenderness.
• Bacon: Contributes crispy texture and savory flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Provides creaminess and tanginess to the dressing.
• Barbecue Sauce: Infuses the salad with rich, smoky flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dressing.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Large Stockpot
• Rotary Grater

How to Make Barbecue Chicken Pasta Salad

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. 

2. For the dressing, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and garlic. 

3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, onion, green pepper, parmesan cheese, sliced chicken, crumbled bacon, and the prepared dressing. Mix until combined well, cover, and refrigerate. 

4. When ready to serve, pour in a serving bowl and top with additional parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta until it is slightly firm (al dente) to ensure it holds its shape in the salad. Rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly and prevent it from becoming mushy. Use less pasta if you like a heavier dressing to pasta ratio.
• Let the pasta salad chill for better flavor: Letting the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavors and make it even more delicious.
• Swap the pasta shape. Besides cavatappi noodles, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just ensure that the pasta has a similar size and density to rotini so that it holds the dressing and ingredients well.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap out the green pepper and onion for other crunchy vegetables like celery, cucumber, or carrots. You can also add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or avocado for more color and flavor.
• Add a protein like chicken or bacon: To save time, use precooked bacon or bacon bits and store-bought grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of making them from scratch.

Storage

Properly stored pasta salad can last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing pasta salad is not recommended as the texture of the pasta will change.

If served at a gathering and left out at room temperature longer than 2 hours, discard it as it’s not safe to eat. If possible, serve in a chilled bowl.

FAQs

More Delicious Make-Ahead Salads

• Italian Pasta Salad
• Greek Spaghetti Salad
• Broccoli Cranberry Salad
• Crunchy Ramen Salad