Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Posted on June 23, 2025

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This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of rotini pasta, juicy chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce. It’s creamy, zesty, and super colorful with crunchy veggies!

If you love a bit of heat, this dish is calling your name! I love serving it cold on hot days—it’s refreshing and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to whip up for any gathering!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the creamy dressing nicely. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to use any other pasta like fusilli, bowtie, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Cooked Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works great too. You can also use canned chicken for a speedy version.

Celery and Carrots: These add crunch and freshness. If you’re not a fan, diced bell peppers or cucumber can be used instead for a different texture.

Ranch Dressing: You can swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you like a stronger flavor. Homemade ranch is also an option for those who enjoy some DIY cooking!

Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you prefer something milder, try a combination of BBQ sauce and a few drops of hot sauce.

How Do I Cook Perfect Pasta for Salad?

Cooking pasta for a salad is all about the right timing. You want it al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. Here are some tips:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  • Add the rotini pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Check for doneness a minute or two before the package time by tasting it.
  • Once al dente, drain and rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.

This method helps keep the pasta from getting mushy in the salad. Plus, rinsing it cools it down quickly, making it ready for your other ingredients!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups rotini pasta (cooked and cooled)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)

Seasoning:

  • Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful pasta salad takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, expect to spend a total of about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for making ahead for a gathering or just for a quick lunch at home!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.

2. Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta with the diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, chopped carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and buffalo wing sauce until they are well blended. This combination will add creaminess and a nice kick to your pasta salad!

4. Mix the Salad:

Pour the buffalo ranch mixture over the pasta salad ingredients. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing. If you’re using blue cheese crumbles, sprinkle them on top and fold them in gently.

5. Season and Chill:

Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the salad has chilled, take it out of the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving. Enjoy your creamy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad cold! It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a delicious meal prep option!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover grilled, rotisserie, or even baked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.

How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?

This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just note that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so you might want to add a little extra dressing before serving if it seems dry.

Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. Use a vegan ranch dressing and skip the eggs for a completely plant-based dish!

What Can I Serve with This Salad?

This pasta salad is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or as part of a buffet spread for gatherings. It pairs nicely with grilled items or spicy appetizers!

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