This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful dish! It combines tender pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and fresh veggies for a tasty meal that everyone will love.
I enjoy making this salad for get-togethers. It’s quick to whip up and the perfect way to add some zing to a picnic. Plus, you’ll be the star of the potluck with this one! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty shape holds onto the dressing well, making each bite flavorful. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work just as well!
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is easy, but feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. It adds amazing flavor too! Leftover chicken works too.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is what gives the salad its kick! If you prefer less spice, use a milder hot sauce mixed with some butter. For those who are vegetarian, switch to a buffalo-style sauce made from plant-based ingredients.
Ranch Dressing: This cool dressing balances the heat. If you’re looking for a healthier option, plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for ranch dressing.
Blue Cheese: A delicious optional ingredient for that tangy flavor! If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it or substitute with feta cheese for a milder taste.
How Do I Get My Pasta Salad to Have the Best Flavor?
To maximize the flavor, a few steps in preparation really matter. Rinsing your cooked pasta in cold water stops the cooking process and helps to keep it from getting mushy. This also cools it down quickly for your salad.
- Mix the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing together well to ensure even flavoring throughout.
- Don’t skip the chilling time! Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Feel free to taste and tweak the seasoning—adding salt and pepper can really help enhance the dish.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy this refreshing pasta salad in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This is the perfect texture so it holds its shape in the salad! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked and shredded chicken, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together nicely.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing together until smooth. This will be the zesty dressing that brings all the flavors together!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the buffalo-ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This makes each bite deliciously flavorful!
5. Add the Blue Cheese:
If you’re using blue cheese, sprinkle it over the salad and gently fold it in. It adds a nice creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
6. Season and Chill:
Give your salad a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Once it’s well seasoned, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, serve your salad cold. You can garnish it with more sliced green onions or an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce on top for an extra kick. Enjoy your spicy, creamy, and tangy Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad at potlucks, picnics, or quick dinners!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. It saves time and adds a nice flavor!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas or shredded veggies like zucchini or carrots. You can also use tofu for added protein!
Can I Prepare This Pasta Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can make this salad up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the flavors, you can add a bit more dressing before serving again.
