This Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a zesty buffalo sauce. It’s creamy, spicy, and super satisfying!
Perfect for potlucks or a quick lunch, this dish always gets rave reviews! I love to toss in some crunchy veggies for extra fun. What’s not to love about cheesy, spicy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the dressing well. You can swap with any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for convenience. If you have leftovers, that’s perfect too. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is what gives the salad its kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use a mild sauce or mix in some BBQ sauce to reduce heat. I enjoy using homemade buffalo sauce when I have the time!
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought is easy, but homemade ranch is a fun twist. Just mix buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, and herbs. If ranch isn’t your style, blue cheese dressing works well, too.
Crumble Blue Cheese: This adds a strong flavor. If you prefer, try feta cheese for a milder touch or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Has the Best Flavor?
Making a flavorful pasta salad is about combining the right ingredients with care. After cooking your pasta, rinsing it with cold water helps to stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
- Toss your warm shredded chicken with buffalo sauce first, letting it soak in the flavor.
- Add cooled pasta and incorporate the ranch dressing gently. It should coat the pasta and veggies evenly.
- Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is key—this is when the flavors meld and improve the taste!
Remember, tasting as you go is super helpful! Adjust the seasoning to your liking—it’s your salad after all!
Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious pasta salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mixing the Chicken and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, take the shredded cooked chicken and pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Mix it well using a fork or spoon, making sure all the chicken is coated evenly with the zesty sauce!
3. Adding the Rest of the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooled pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded carrots, diced celery, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the buffalo chicken. Gently fold everything together to combine all the delicious flavors.
4. Dressing it Up:
Pour the ranch dressing over the entire mixture and stir until everything is coated nicely. The ranch will help balance the spice from the buffalo sauce, making it creamy and tasty. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking!
5. Adding Blue Cheese and Chilling:
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top and gently fold it in (or save some for garnish later). Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will let all the flavors meld beautifully!
6. Serving Your Salad:
Once chilled, it’s time to serve! Give it a final stir, and garnish with extra green onions or blue cheese if desired. Enjoy this tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad chilled — it’s perfect for lunch, a BBQ, or potluck gatherings!
This salad is packed with zesty buffalo flavor, cheesy goodness, and a refreshing crunch from the veggies. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred the chicken before mixing it with the buffalo sauce for a quick and easy meal.
How Spicy is This Pasta Salad?
The spice level largely depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for a mild buffalo sauce or mix in a bit of BBQ sauce to tone it down. Adjust the amount to your taste!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the ranch dressing with a dairy-free ranch or a vinaigrette. For the cheese, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may separate.
