This fun buffalo chicken pasta salad is packed with flavor! You’ll enjoy tender pasta mixed with spicy buffalo sauce, juicy chicken, and crunchy veggies. Perfect for a hearty lunch or side dish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for this salad because it holds onto the dressing well. If you have other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne, feel free to use those instead!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time. You can also cook chicken breasts and shred them or use canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
Veggies: Celery adds crunch, while carrots bring sweetness. You can swap celery for diced bell peppers for a different bite or skip them altogether if you prefer a simpler salad.
Blue Cheese: This adds a distinct flavor, but if you’re not a fan, feta or cheddar works well too. You can even leave it out and add more ranch dressing instead!
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat by using more or less sauce. If you want a milder flavor, you could use a barbecue sauce or a mild hot sauce.
Ranch Dressing: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk to reach your desired consistency!
How Do I Get the Pasta Just Right?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it right is key to this salad. For perfect pasta, follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding your rotini.
- Check the package for cooking time, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Start tasting a minute or two before it’s done.
- Once cooked, immediately drain and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta for your salad.
Taking the time to cool the pasta is important—it helps keep the salad from getting mushy. Enjoy!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (or more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy buffalo chicken pasta salad takes around 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. So, you’re looking at a total of about 45 minutes until you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which usually takes 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This step is key to keeping your salad from getting mushy. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, diced celery, shredded carrots, green onions, and blue cheese crumbles. Give it a gentle toss, so everything mixes well without mashing the ingredients.
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until it’s smooth. This creamy and spicy mixture is going to bring your pasta salad to life!
4. Combining It All:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chicken and veggies. Pour the buffalo ranch dressing over everything. Now, toss it all gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the dressing.
5. Seasoning and Chilling:
Season your salad with some salt and black pepper to taste. Once that’s done, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors blend beautifully!
6. Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad another good toss. You can top it with extra blue cheese crumbles and green onions for a lovely finish. This salad is best served cold, so keep it chilled until you’re ready to enjoy!
Enjoy this creamy, spicy, and crunchy buffalo chicken pasta salad as a flavorful lunch or side dish!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and toss it in—you’ll save time and still get a delicious flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also increase the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste. Just be careful to balance it with the ranch dressing to keep it creamy!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! Preparing this salad a day ahead is a great option. Just keep it chilled in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, and it’s an easy dish to grab when you’re short on time!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing, as it may separate while stored.
