This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun and zesty dish! It mixes tender pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, cool veggies, and a tangy dressing that brings it all together.
Perfect for a picnic or a quick weeknight meal, this salad is both filling and refreshing. I love how it can be made ahead, so you can enjoy it anytime — like for lunch or game day! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I prefer using rotini for its fun shape and ability to hold the dressing well. Penne works just as nicely, but feel free to swap in any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or farfalle.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled chicken breast works perfectly, too!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: I usually use Frank’s RedHot for a classic kick. If you want to tone it down, mix some hot sauce with a bit of honey or barbecue sauce. Vegan options are available too, using plant-based chicken or tofu.
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch dressing tastes great, but store-bought is just fine. If you’re dairy-free, you can try a vegan ranch dressing. Greek yogurt can also work as a lighter alternative.
Vegetables: The celery adds crunch, but feel free to throw in others like diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for added freshness! You can skip the carrots or bell peppers if you want a simpler salad.
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta might seem easy, but some tips can help you get it just right. Start by using plenty of water — at least 4-6 quarts for 8 ounces of pasta. Add a generous amount of salt to the water; it should taste like the sea!
- Bring water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Stir immediately to prevent sticking and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Taste a piece a minute before the time is up; it should have a slight bite.
- Drain the pasta, then rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
This ensures your pasta won’t get mushy and holds its shape in your tasty salad!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Buffalo Sauce and Veggies:
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrot, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Dressing and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Just give it a little time to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, and then it’s ready to serve. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner anytime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then toss in your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated in the sauce, making it flavorful and spicy. Adjust the sauce to your taste if you like it spicier or milder.
3. Mixing Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, buffalo chicken, diced celery, shredded or diced carrots, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. If you’re adding cheddar cheese, throw that in too for extra creaminess.
4. Adding the Dressing:
Pour the ranch dressing over your salad mixture. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and coated in dressing. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnishing and Chilling:
If you like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch of color. Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and develop.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve your tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad cold. It’s perfect for a lunch, dinner, or snack. Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just shred or dice it, and toss it with the buffalo sauce as directed. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers!
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
No problem! You can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a milder hot sauce. Alternatively, mix the hot sauce with a bit of honey or barbecue sauce for a sweeter, less spicy flavor. You can also skip the buffalo sauce entirely and use just ranch dressing for a creamy salad.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad in Advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little more ranch dressing before serving to refresh it!
