This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun mix of tender chicken, pasta, and a spicy buffalo sauce. It’s cool, creamy, and has a kick that makes it exciting! 🐔🍝
I love making this salad for picnics or game days. It takes just minutes to whip up, and it’s the perfect dish to impress without breaking a sweat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for this salad because its twisty shape holds onto the dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, you can use penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for speed. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping in chickpeas or diced tofu for protein.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my personal favorite for its bold flavor. You can also blend your favorite hot sauce with a touch of vinegar for a different kick!
Ranch Dressing: If you like a bit of tang, homemade ranch is fantastic. But store-bought works too! You can also swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creaminess, but feel free to try pepper jack for an extra spicy twist or leave it out altogether for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Keep the Pasta From Getting Soggy?
Cooking pasta properly is key to preventing a soggy salad. Here are my tips:
- Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite.
- After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly.
- Be sure to let the pasta drain well before adding it to the salad. Moisture can make the salad watery.
These tips will help your pasta salad stay fresh and enjoyable for longer! Enjoy this fun twist on a classic salad!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in just under an hour, you can have a delicious, creamy, and spicy buffalo chicken pasta salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In the same large mixing bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing. Stir them together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful base for your salad!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, add the shredded chicken, cooled pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together so that everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Season to Taste:
Now, give your salad a taste. You can season it with salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Remember to mix again after adding seasonings!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give it one last stir.
6. Enjoy:
Serve the salad chilled and garnish with optional blue cheese crumbles for an extra touch of flavor if you like. This creamy, spicy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick lunches!
Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or dice it and add it to the salad for a quick and easy meal!
How Can I Make This Recipe a Little Healthier?
You can swap out the ranch dressing for a low-fat version or Greek yogurt for a lighter take. Additionally, incorporating more veggies like diced cucumbers or spinach can boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some liquid may settle at the bottom.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Pasta Salad?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with diced tofu, chickpeas, or black beans for protein. Also, ensure that the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing you use are vegetarian-friendly!
