BBQ Chicken Salad

This ranch and BBQ chicken salad with bowtie pasta packs in so much amazing flavor without feeling too heavy! It’s perfect for a cold lunch or summer cookout side.

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start getting all your favorite cold dish recipes ready. And once you try BBQ chicken salad with bowtie pasta, you’re going to want to eat this recipe on repeat!

It’s a super easy dish that’s perfect if you’re looking for cold lunch ideas or a delicious side to bring to summer cookouts. Toss together bowtie pasta and chicken in a delicious BBQ ranch sauce with corn, black beans, tomatoes, and cilantro, then top it all off with crunchy fried onions!

Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:

• How to make pasta salad with BBQ chicken
• The best pasta to use for BBQ salad
• How to store BBQ chicken pasta salad if you have leftovers or want to make it in advance
• Variations for your BBQ salad

Whenever I have leftover chicken, I love throwing it in BBQ chicken pasta salad. The flavors and textures are super satisfying without feeling too heavy. That’s what makes it so great for a quick lunch or dinner all summer long!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Salad

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced chicken and ½ cup of BBQ sauce.

STEP TWO: Cook 7 to 9 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has become a glaze on the chicken. Set aside to cool.

STEP THREE: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente according to box directions. 

STEP FOUR: Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

STEP FIVE: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chicken and pasta, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, tomatoes, corn, beans, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine.

STEP SIX: Chill for at least 2 hours or enjoy when hot.

STEP SEVEN: Before serving, top with the crispy fried onions and more cilantro. 

What Kind of Pasta Works Best For BBQ Pasta Salad?

Bowtie pasta is always my go-to for this recipe! I love the shape, plus I think it adds just the right texture to BBQ chicken salad.

That being said, any short pasta will be great in this recipe! You could try shells, elbows, or penne if you prefer, they will all work wonderfully. You could even mix and match a few if you like!

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should You Use?

Feel free to use your personal favorite brand of barbecue sauce. Personally, I usually turn to my 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce. It’s so easy to make, plus it tastes amazing!

Sweet Baby Rays and Stubb’s BBQ sauce are my two favorite store-bought BBQ sauces. If you prefer something with no added sugar, make sure to check out the G Hughes brand.

Can You Make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad In Advance?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making this pasta salad ahead of time if you can. The longer the flavors have to meld in the refrigerator, the better it will be!

BBQ pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just keep in mind that once cooked, chicken should be eaten within 4 days. So if you’re using leftover chicken, you’ll want to factor that into how long you store the BBQ salad.

What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Pasta

• Air Fryer Plantains
• Broccoli Salad
• Frozen Jalapeno Poppers in the Air Fryer
• Instant Pot Potato Salad
• Simple Italian Pasta Salad with No Meat

Variations for Pasta Salad with BBQ

• This salad would also be wonderful with some bacon, cheese, or even pineapple mixed in.
• You can add thinly sliced red onion instead of crispy onions if you prefer. Or use both!
• You can spice this BBQ salad up by adding some chopped jalapenos.
• If you do not like cilantro, you can substitute parsley.
• Chopped red or green bell peppers would also be great in this salad.

Other Cold Lunch Recipes You’ll Love:

• Deviled Eggs Without Vinegar
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
• Southwest Chicken Wrap
• Buffalo Chicken Wrap
• Tuna Pinwheels