This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun twist on regular pasta salad! With spicy buffalo chicken, pasta, and crunchy veggies, it’s full of flavor and color.
This dish is perfect for potlucks or lunch! I love that it’s cold and creamy, so no need to heat it up—easy peasy, right? Plus, who can resist that spicy kick? 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rotini because the spirals hold dressing and flavors well. You could swap it with elbow pasta, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Chicken: Cooked chicken is a must! I often go for buffalo-style rotisserie chicken for extra flavor. If you’re short on time, use canned chicken or leftover chicken from another meal!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a go-to for its flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or less sauce.
Veggies: Celery and carrots add a nice crunch! If you want variety, diced bell peppers or chopped cucumbers also work. For a twist, you could throw in some cherry tomatoes!
Dressing: I prefer ranch dressing for creaminess, but blue cheese dressing adds a tangy kick. You can easily make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Isn’t Soggy?
The key to non-soggy pasta salad is cooking the pasta just right. Make sure to:
- Cook the pasta al dente, which keeps it firm.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing in the dressing, to avoid it absorbing too much.
These steps keep your salad fresh and delicious, avoiding that sad, soggy pasta situation!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini or elbow pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (preferably buffalo-style or plain)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes to chill in the fridge, making it about 50 minutes from start to finish before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). After it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process so it cools down. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a separate bowl, take your cooked chicken and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce until every piece is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens with that spicy flavor!
3. Mix in the Vegetables and Cheese:
Now, in the same mixing bowl with the cooled pasta, add the buffalo chicken, chopped celery, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese (if you’re using it). It’s getting colorful already!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour in your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. This is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking!
5. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your salad a taste and sprinkle with salt and pepper as needed. This is a great time to ensure it matches your spicy preference!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, take it out and enjoy your chilled, spicy buffalo chicken pasta salad.
Bon appétit! Enjoy your refreshing and zesty pasta salad that’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just ensure it’s shredded or chopped so it mixes well with the pasta and other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! You can simply skip the blue cheese or substitute it with more ranch dressing or another cheese of your choice, like feta or mozzarella, to keep it creamy and flavorful.
How Long Does This Salad Keep?
This buffalo chicken 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 again, as it may thicken a bit.
Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
Definitely! If you want extra heat, add more buffalo wing sauce or toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the spice level. Adjust to your taste!
