🥗 Vegan BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad | The Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad

Looking for a fresh, colorful, and flavor-packed dish for warm days? This Vegan BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, black beans, and a delicious homemade BBQ ranch dressing. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for picnics, barbecues, meal prep, or light lunches.

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes

❄️ Chill Time: 30 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 6

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad

* 300 g (10 oz) rotini or fusilli pasta

* 1 can (400 g) black beans, drained and rinsed

* 1 avocado, diced

* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

* 1 cup sweet corn kernels

* 1 green bell pepper, diced

* 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

* 2 green onions, sliced

* 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Vegan BBQ Ranch Dressing

* ½ cup vegan mayonnaise

* 3 tbsp BBQ sauce

* 2 tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk

* 1 tbsp lemon juice

* 1 tsp garlic powder

* 1 tsp onion powder

* ½ tsp smoked paprika

* Salt and black pepper to taste

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. Allow the pasta to cool completely.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, plant-based milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

2. Season with salt and black pepper.

3. Mix until smooth and creamy.

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Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, lettuce, green onions, and cilantro.

2. Add the diced avocado just before serving.

3. Pour the BBQ ranch dressing over the salad.

4. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

2. Garnish with extra cilantro and avocado slices before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this refreshing pasta salad with:

* Grilled vegetables

* Vegan burgers

* BBQ tofu skewers

* Fresh lemonade or iced tea

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💡 Pro Tips

✔️ Add roasted chickpeas for extra crunch and protein.

✔️ Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.

✔️ Keep the avocado separate until serving to maintain its freshness.

✔️ Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

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✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad is creamy, smoky, fresh, and loaded with texture. The combination of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, hearty black beans, and tangy BBQ ranch dressing creates the perfect balance of flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.