Creamy, savory, hearty, fresh, flavor-loaded Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad. This delicious summer side dish (or lunch recipe) is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Summer is HERE, friends! Well, actually, it’s been here since the beginning of May in Oklahoma. But now it’s like REALLY here! And there’s nothing I’m craving more than cold summer recipes.
But not like in a dull, cold recipe way. In like a fresh, hearty, DELISH way! And let me just say, this Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad recipe does not disappoint. 😉
Things I love about this Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad:
- It’s a crowd pleaser, y’all! Like big time.
- It’s cold, creamy, and hearty.
- It’s perfect for having people over and cooking out.
- But it’s still also perfect as a delicious summer lunch or side dish recipe.
- BARBECUE RANCH. Need I say more?
As it turns out, I do need to say more. I really really need to talk about this barbecue ranch situation. You see, it’s been like a million years since I’ve had good ‘ol ranch dressing! But I went to Walmart the other day and while I was grabbing Cody’s lunch stuff (ya know, bread, pickles, mustard, the usual) I ran into my old friend, Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® dressing. We had a moment in the salad dressing aisle and I just knew I had to make something delicious with it! Then, as I continued down this aisle, I ran into Kingsford Original Smoked Hickory Sauce and BAM. Match made in heaven! Gimme some Glad® Press ‘n Seal® to keep ingredients fresh and I’m ready to take this thing to our next cookout!
Seriously, though. I love how Hidden Valley Original Ranch instantly adds so much flavor to this Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad recipe!
How to make this Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad:
Cook and drain the pasta according to directions. Mix in chopped broccoli, zucchini, summer squash, corn, spinach, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce. Serve and enjoy!
A few options for making ranch pasta salad:
I left the zucchini and summer squash raw in this recipe, but feel free to cook them! This can be done by baking them on a roasting pan in the oven or letting them sit on the grill for a few minutes. Either way, it’s delicious!
If you’re taking this recipe with you to a cookout or gathering, be sure to use Glad Press ‘n Seal to easily cover your dish! I love that it can stick to plastic, paper, wood, metal and even glass to keep food fresh. Be sure to grab yours at Walmart!
Here’s a video for this easy Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad!
Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz. rotini pasta, dry
- 1/2 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
- 1/4 cup Kingsford Original Smoked Hickory BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 summer squash, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup corn
Instructions
- Cook and drain the pasta according to package directions.
- Mix half of the ranch and hickory sauce into the pasta.
- Mix in the broccoli, zucchini, summer squash, spinach, corn, and remaining ranch and barbecue sauce.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Lathiya says:
I want such easy dishes to make this summer. Few ingredients, breeze to make and I’m sure it tastes amazing.
Jacqui DeBono says:
This is the sort of dish that I would make and then eat for every meal! Perfect for a get-together with friends or an evening out in the garden with grilled meat.
Joyce says:
Just looking at the pictures of this dish is making me hungry! who doesn’t love ranch! This sounds like such a satisfying meal!!
Emily says:
This pasta recipe is so beautiful and colorful, as well as delicious! Perfect for summer get togethers!
Diana says:
This salad recipes sounds amazing. I love the flavor combination you came up with.
Renu says:
Was looking up for some nice salad recipe with pasta and this with the ranch dressing looks perfect for me. Waiting to try soon
Ramona says:
Great simple recipe to accompany a bbq we are planning this Sunday with a couple of friends. Kids will love this too. A great one for a picnic too. Thanks for sharing!
Marta says:
I’ve never thought to combine ranch dressing with BBQ! But, it’s such a genius idea. I can’t wait to serve this for lunch.
sapana says:
Wow wow I am so gonna try this amazing barbecue ranch pasta salad. It sounds and looks so so delicious.
Jere Cassidy says:
I just was in Tulsa for 10 days and yes, it felt like summer!!! Now that I am home and cooking again this salad will be added to my summertime grilling. I love the sauce combo for some creamy spicy flavor.
Lesli Schwartz says:
Interesting combo for the dressing. This pasta salad looks so fresh and is so perfect for summer picnics!
Taleen says:
You had me at barbecue ranch! What a delicious and fun summer salad.. and it looks pretty, too!
Stine Mari says:
Wow isn’t this a showstopper! It’s gorgeous and it sounds so delicious too. I love anything with ranch dressing!
Deborah Brooks says:
I love the combo of the ranch and the BBQ how interesting! This looks really tasty can’t wait to try it
Gloria says:
Made this the other day for a cookout. SO delicious!
Christine McMichael replied:
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!