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BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

A delicious and refreshing pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, black beans, corn, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing. Perfect for gatherings and meal prep!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ Recipe, Healthy Salad, Meal Prep, Pasta Salad, Potluck Dish
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 290kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can swap for low-fat version for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce until fully combined. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, drained corn, rinsed black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, shredded cheddar, and chopped cilantro.
  • Pour the BBQ ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  • Before serving, taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Notes

Cool the pasta properly after cooking to avoid a mushy salad. For added flavor, consider grilling the vegetables lightly before adding them to the salad. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.