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
Scale
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.
