This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun twist on your regular pasta salad! It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and zesty buffalo sauce for a tasty treat.
If you love a little kick in your food, this dish is for you! I like to whip it up for picnics or game days—everyone always wants seconds! Plus, it’s super easy to make. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini or spiral pasta works best for holding onto the dressing and chicken. If you have gluten-free needs, you can use lentil or chickpea pasta. I love the crunch of spiral shapes; they make every bite fun!
Cooked Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken adds great flavor. You could use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even shredded deli chicken. Also, for a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance! If you don’t have wing sauce, a mix of hot sauce and melted butter works well. For mild flavor, try using BBQ sauce instead.
Dressings: The mayonnaise and ranch or blue cheese dressing bring creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can substitute for mayo. Just note, it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta Salad Is Well Mixed?
The key to a delicious pasta salad is ensuring everything is evenly coated! Start by mixing the dressing separately before adding it to your ingredients. This helps spread the flavors evenly.
- Cool the pasta completely. Rinsing it under cold water helps stop the cooking and prevents clumping.
- When you add the pasta to the bowl, gently fold it with the other ingredients instead of stirring. This keeps the pasta intact.
- Chilling the pasta salad allows the flavors to develop even more. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini or spiral pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded (grilled or roasted)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This quick and tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator, totaling around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick meal or snack!
Instructions:
1. Prep the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, mayonnaise, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is nice and smooth. This will be your delicious dressing that ties everything together.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, shredded carrots, chopped celery, and sliced green onions. If you want a cheesy bite, throw in the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Add the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to fold in the cooked chicken pieces. Gently mix everything to make sure the chicken is well distributed throughout the pasta salad.
5. Garnish and Chill:
Transfer the pasta salad into a large serving bowl. For a pop of color and flavor, garnish with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little more heat.
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 cooling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy this delightful buffalo chicken pasta salad!
This dish is creamy, spicy, and fresh—perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying side at any meal. Enjoy your tasty creation!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat options. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions!
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken on Hand?
No worries! You can easily use rotisserie chicken, or if you’re looking for a quicker option, canned chicken will also work. Just be sure to drain it well. For a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or tofu!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s delicious cold, and the flavors continue to improve as it sits!
Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce or add extra red pepper flakes. You could also mix in some chopped jalapeños for an added kick. Just be sure to taste as you go!
