This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty twist on traditional pasta salad. With tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and fresh veggies, it’s full of flavor!
You can enjoy it cold, making it perfect for picnics or quick lunches. I love how it comes together quickly—just mix everything, serve, and watch it disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its spirals hold the sauce well. You can swap it out for penne or elbow macaroni if you have those on hand. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is key here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, cooked chickpeas work surprisingly well!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a great option, but you can use any buffalo sauce you like. For less heat, try a milder hot sauce or mix the buffalo sauce with some BBQ sauce to tone it down.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch brings a creamy finish to the salad. If you prefer, you could use blue cheese dressing for a stronger flavor, or make your own with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
How Do I Keep My Pasta Salad from Getting Soggy?
A common struggle is dealing with sogginess in pasta salads. To keep yours fresh, follow these tips:
- Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
- Mix ingredients right before serving. Instead of letting the salad sit too long, add veggies and dressing close to meal time.
- Store dressing separately. If you make this ahead, keep the ranch dressing in a separate container and mix only when ready to serve.
Following these steps will ensure your salad stays crisp and enjoyable!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (spring onions)
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, you’re looking at a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick meal or a delightful dish for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling water in a large pot and cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool the pasta and prevents it from becoming mushy. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a big mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. The buffalo sauce gives it that classic spicy flavor.
3. Mix the Pasta with Chicken:
Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the buffalo chicken. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top and stir everything together gently. You want to make sure the pasta is coated in the dressing and blends well with the chicken.
4. Add the Veggies and Cheese:
To the mixture, add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, sliced green onions, and diced red bell pepper. These ingredients add crunch and freshness to your salad. Stir again until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Season to Taste:
Finally, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle stir so all the flavors come together nicely.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it extra refreshing. When ready to serve, grab a spoon, and enjoy this spicy, creamy buffalo chicken pasta salad!
This salad is not only perfect for family meals but also a hit at parties and potlucks. Get ready for compliments as everyone enjoys the delightful buffalo chicken flavor in every bite!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu, and it still tastes amazing! Just ensure to season the chickpeas or tofu to add flavor, and you’re good to go!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Definitely! You can make this salad up to a day in advance. Just remember to keep the dressing stored separately until you’re ready to serve it to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
