If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances spicy, creamy, and crunchy with a zesty kick, then this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s a soul-satisfying mix of tender pasta, tangy buffalo-coated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing that comes together in no time. Whether you’re prepping for a game day, a casual summer gathering, or just craving a vibrant and comforting salad, this recipe always hits the spot with its bold flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple but impactful—the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta: These spiral or tube shapes hold onto dressing and bits of chicken perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): Using shredded or chopped chicken gives tender bites infused with buffalo sauce.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show adding bold, spicy flavor and heat.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Creamy ranch balances the spice with a cool and tangy note.
- 1/2 cup diced celery: Adds a refreshing crisp crunch that wakes up the palate.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Their natural sweetness and bright color bring freshness and vibrancy.
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar: Choose blue cheese for a tangy punch or cheddar for a milder, creamy touch.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Brings a subtle sharpness and a pop of green color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to highlight and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Be careful not to overcook it — you want that slight bite for texture. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to immediately stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
While the pasta cools, toss your shredded or chopped cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure every piece is well coated for that spicy, tangy flavor to shine through in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta to the buffalo chicken, then toss in the diced celery, shredded carrots, your choice of blue cheese or cheddar, and the chopped green onions. This medley brings an exciting mix of textures and colors that make this salad irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Dressing and Season
Pour the ranch dressing over everything and gently toss until the entire salad is evenly coated. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step lets all the flavors mingle and the dressing to meld into the pasta and chicken, giving you a refreshingly cohesive taste experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I love adding a few extra crumbles of blue cheese on top along with thin slices of green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It not only amps up the presentation but gives an extra burst of flavor that friends will rave about.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like crispy garlic bread, fresh garden salad, or some roasted corn on the cob. The sides complement the salad’s bold flavors without overwhelming them, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this salad in colorful bowls or mason jars really makes it pop at parties or picnics. You could also pile it into halved bell peppers or lettuce cups for handheld fun that guests will find impressive and convenient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, making it even more delicious the next day, so leftovers are definitely a treat.
Freezing
Because this salad has ranch dressing and fresh veggies, freezing is not recommended — it can alter the texture and flavor in unpleasant ways. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t ideal. If you want a warm twist, gently warm the buffalo chicken separately and toss it with fresh pasta and dressing before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne work best for holding dressing, farfalle or shells are also great choices that add their own fun shapes and textures.
How spicy is this salad?
The salad has a nice kick from the buffalo sauce, but not overpowering—perfect for those who enjoy mild to medium heat. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce or a splash of hot sauce.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with crispy tofu, roasted cauliflower, or chickpeas tossed in buffalo sauce to keep the spicy, tangy flavor intact.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No problem! Shredded cheddar offers a milder, creamy alternative that still complements the buffalo sauce without the sharpness of blue cheese.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Definitely. This recipe holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent option for lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe a try — it’s such an easy way to bring bold flavors and fun textures to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this salad hits the perfect note every time. Once you make it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines tender pasta, spicy buffalo-coated chicken, and crunchy fresh vegetables. Tossed with creamy ranch dressing and tangy blue cheese, it makes a perfect cold salad for game days, summer potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. Ready in just 25 minutes, this high-protein American classic is sure to please fans of spicy, hearty salads.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and stir until the chicken is well coated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, celery, carrots, blue cheese or cheddar, and green onions to the bowl with buffalo chicken.
- Add Dressing and Season: Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or use spicy buffalo wing sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used to save prep time.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for convenience and enhanced flavor.
