This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a spicy twist on a classic! It features tender pasta, juicy chicken, and zesty buffalo sauce, all mixed together for a delicious meal.
Perfect for picnics or quick lunches, I love how it’s creamy and spicy at the same time. Plus, you can make it ahead and enjoy it all week—talk about a win-win! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds onto the dressing well, but you can swap it for any pasta, like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta works too if needed.
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. You can also use canned chicken or any leftover grilled chicken for a quick option!
Celery: Adds crunch! If you’re not a fan, diced bell peppers work great too. They add color and a slight sweetness.
Blue Cheese: This is optional, but it enhances the buffalo flavor. If you don’t like blue cheese, try feta or simply leave it out. Ranch dressing has a great taste alone.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the heat to your liking! You can mix in more ranch if you prefer a milder flavor, or try a hot sauce blend for variety.
How do I make sure my pasta salad is perfectly blended?
Mixing everything well ensures every bite is flavorful! Follow these steps:
- Cook your pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop cooking and keep it firm.
- Combine pasta with the rest of the ingredients while they are still cool; this helps the flavors blend well.
- After adding the buffalo-ranch dressing, toss gently to coat all items without breaking the pasta.
- Let it chill! The hour in the fridge helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for parties or a quick meal at home.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then lets it chill for at least 1 hour. That’s all it takes to have a delicious, cool pasta salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s firm but tender (al dente). Once it’s done cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Salad Mixture:
In a big bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the cooked chicken, diced celery, shredded carrots, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles if you’re using them. This is where all the fresh colors and textures come together!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing until they’re well combined. This will be the spicy and creamy dressing that ties everything together.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the buffalo-ranch dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Don’t forget to taste it! Add salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps all the flavors blend beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, give it another gentle stir, serve it cold, and dig in with friends or family!
Enjoy your delicious, spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks! 🌟
FAQ: Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with any gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly from traditional pasta.
What Type of Chicken Works Best?
Cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option for its flavor and convenience, but you can also use grilled chicken breast, canned chicken, or any leftover chicken you have on hand.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This salad actually tastes better after it sits and the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance—just cover it and refrigerate until ready to serve.
