Introduction:
Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of flavors with our delectable BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad. This crowd-pleaser combines succulent BBQ chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and a medley of fresh ingredients for a pasta salad that's perfect for any occasion. Dive into this tantalizing dish that brings together the smokiness of BBQ, the richness of cheddar, and the crisp freshness of veggies.
Ingredients:
- BBQ Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-size chunks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Pasta Base:
- 1 pound short-cut pasta
- Fresh Additions:
- 1 1/2 cups cubed cheddar cheese
- 3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 ears grilled or steamed corn
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and/or basil, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- Creamy Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup olive oil mayo
- 1/4-1/2 tablespoon buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Method:
1. BBQ Chicken Magic:
- Marinate chicken chunks in BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Grill or cook until fully cooked, capturing that irresistible BBQ flavor.
2. Perfect Pasta Prep:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water to cool.
3. Creamy Ranch Creation:
- Whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), olive oil mayo, buttermilk, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust buttermilk for desired consistency.
4. Compose the Salad Symphony:
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, BBQ chicken, cheddar cheese, shredded romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, grilled corn kernels, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, and diced avocado.
5. Dress to Impress:
- Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss until every ingredient is luxuriously coated.
6. Savor the Symphony:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Garnish with extra herbs and a pinch of black pepper for that final touch.
Conclusion:
Elevate your dining experience with our BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad, a harmonious blend of savory BBQ, creamy ranch, and fresh, crisp ingredients. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or everyday indulgence, this pasta salad is a celebration of bold flavors and culinary finesse. Try it today and treat your taste buds to an unforgettable feast!
Prep and Chopping:
Sharp Chef's Knife: A good quality chef's knife is crucial for any kitchen, and salads are no exception. It will allow you to effortlessly chop, slice, and dice all your favorite salad ingredients.
Chef's Knife
