This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce. It’s cool, creamy, and bursting with flavor!
If you’re like me, you might turn to this recipe when it’s too hot to cook a full meal. Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a dish everyone will love. Perfect for parties!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great because its shape holds onto the sauce and ingredients well. If you don’t have it, feel free to use penne or bowtie pasta instead!
Cooked Chicken: I find rotisserie chicken is super handy for this recipe. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, grilling or baking works well too! Leftover chicken from any meal can also be a good option.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you like it mild, consider starting with less sauce and adding more gradually. For a healthier twist, look for a lower-calorie buffalo sauce.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice for a lighter version. If you want to keep the blue cheese flavor, try using blue cheese dressing instead.
Blue Cheese: This adds tang and richness. If you’re not keen on blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can be a tasty substitute!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Perfectly Chilled and Flavored?
To get the best flavors in your pasta salad, chilling is key! After mixing all the ingredients, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the pasta and veggies to soak up the flavors from the dressing.
- Cook your pasta a little less than al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water after draining; this cools it down quickly and stops it from cooking further.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness or a dash more salt if necessary.
Enjoy with some extra toppings like more green onions or a sprinkle of cheese on top for a nice presentation!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/3 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but recommended for authenticity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to have a delicious, refreshing dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it off and stop the cooking. Make sure to drain it well so there’s no excess water.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the shredded chicken, shredded carrots, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Give it a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until smooth and well combined. Taste the mixture—this is where you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less Buffalo sauce to suit your preference!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the Buffalo ranch dressing over the pasta mixture, tossing gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. It should look colorful and enticing!
5. Add Blue Cheese:
If you’re using blue cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the salad and gently fold it in without breaking it up too much. The blue cheese adds a delicious flavor that complements the Buffalo sauce.
6. Season It Up:
Finally, taste your salad and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
7. Chill Out:
Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully and it’s perfect to serve cold!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, dish it out chilled. You can garnish with extra green onions or blue cheese on top for a lovely presentation. Enjoy this spicy and creamy delight at summer gatherings, potlucks, or as an easy meal at home!
This pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser—it’s vibrant, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to prepare!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this pasta salad vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more texture and nutrients!
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it gets a little dry after sitting, you can add a splash of extra ranch or Buffalo sauce to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to a day in advance; just store it in the fridge, and it will be ready to serve when you need it!
