Go Back
BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe (Perfect for Summer!)

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

Welcome to the delightful world of BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad, your ultimate companion for summer gatherings, picnics, and family barbecues! This vibrant and flavorful pasta salad combines the creaminess of ranch dressing with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, making it a sensational dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta penne or rotini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup corn fresh or canned
  • 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers red, yellow, or green
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh cilantro or parsley optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables by dicing the bell peppers, halving the cherry tomatoes, and finely chopping the red onion.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables: cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, and red onion. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Season your salad with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired and serve chilled.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.