Looking for a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners? Look no further than this mouthwatering Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad! Bursting with the freshness of cherry tomatoes, the sweetness of corn, and a delightful tang from ranch and barbecue sauces, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With just 20 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this deliciously satisfying salad that serves six, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s both refreshing and hearty!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and drain the 1/2 cup of black beans and set them aside. Halve the 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and slice the 1/4 cup of green onions.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, cooked corn, and black beans.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of ranch dressing and 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce until well combined.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the sliced green onions to the salad and mix again. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary to suit your preference.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, give the salad a final stir before serving. Enjoy your Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad as a delicious side dish or a light meal!
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: To achieve the best texture, be sure to cook the rotini pasta until it’s al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy once mixed with the dressing.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully. For an even tastier salad, consider chilling it for longer!
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch, or swap out the black beans for chickpeas for a different twist.
- Make It Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance, just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Serve It Right: This Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
