This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic salad! With tasty chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and colorful veggies mixed with pasta, it’s a meal everyone will love.
This dish is perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. I usually make a big bowl and let everyone serve themselves. Just be ready to enjoy some delicious leftovers! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This type of pasta is great for holding onto the dressing, but you can swap it with any shape you like, such as penne or fusilli if you don’t have rotini on hand. Just make sure it’s something sturdy!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also use grilled chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas instead!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds that signature kick! Frank’s RedHot is a favorite, but feel free to use any brand you enjoy. If you want less heat, try a mild wing sauce or mix some hot sauce with a little olive oil.
Dressing: While ranch dressing is classic here, I sometimes use blue cheese dressing for extra flavor. You can also make your own by mixing yogurt with a splash of vinegar and herbs!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Well-Coated with Sauce?
Getting the chicken to soak up that buffalo flavor is key for this salad! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with shredded chicken that’s not too chunky, so the sauce can coat it evenly.
- Use a large mixing bowl, which creates space to toss the chicken without making a mess.
- Pour just enough sauce to cover the chicken, then mix gently with a spatula until all pieces are coated.
This method ensures every bite has that delicious buffalo flavor!
Feel free to adapt this recipe to your family’s tastes, making it a personal favorite!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing if preferred)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this dish, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully, making it perfect for serving on warm days or at gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but firm to the bite). Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta for your salad.
2. Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, take your shredded cooked chicken and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is evenly coated in that tasty sauce!
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta, diced celery, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the bowl with your buffalo chicken. Mix everything well to ensure all the ingredients are combined.
4. Add Dressing and Season:
Now pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed to make it perfect for your palate!
5. Fold in Blue Cheese:
Gently fold in most of the blue cheese crumbles, saving a small amount for garnishing on top later. This adds fantastic flavor to your salad!
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help meld the delicious flavors together for a more enjoyable dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, dish out the salad into bowls and sprinkle the reserved blue cheese crumbles on top. You can also add some extra chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy pasta salad!
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Have fun with the recipe and make it your own!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great. Just shred it up and toss it with the buffalo sauce. This is a perfect way to use up any extra chicken from previous meals!
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem at all! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can either skip it altogether or substitute it with crumbled feta or even shredded cheese like cheddar. Just choose what you love!
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Spicy or Mild?
You can definitely adjust the spice level! If you prefer a milder salad, use less buffalo sauce or choose a mild wing sauce. For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes before serving!
