This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of tender pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s quick to make and perfect for a fun meal or a picnic!
You know it’s a win when your friends ask for seconds! I like to drizzle a bit of ranch dressing on top for that extra zing. Enjoy it cold, and watch it disappear! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its twists, which hold onto the dressing really well. You can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is also a great switch if needed!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient and adds great flavor! If you’re pressed for time, any pre-cooked chicken works. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or grilled vegetables instead.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but if you’re after a milder taste or have kids, reduce the amount or use a mild buffalo sauce. You can also make your own with hot sauce mixed with melted butter.
Dressing: Ranch dressing is my personal favorite, but believe it or not, blue cheese dressing adds a nice tangy flavor! If you want to lighten it up, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of water for creaminess.
Veggies: Celery and bell peppers provide crunch and color. Feel free to swap them for whatever you have on hand, like cucumbers or even sweet corn.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Well-Mixed and Flavorful?
To get that perfect mix of flavors in your pasta salad, follow these tips:
- Make sure you rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking; this keeps it from sticking together and helps it cool down faster.
- Mix the buffalo sauce with chicken first to coat it evenly before adding everything else. It helps distribute the flavor better!
- Gently mix in the pasta and other ingredients to keep the pasta intact. If you stir too hard, it might break apart.
- Let the pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and blend together nicely.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying buffalo chicken pasta salad that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
For the Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (including some green parts)
For Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. You’ll have a delicious and refreshing pasta salad ready to enjoy in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). When it’s done, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also cools it down, so it’s ready to mix in with the other ingredients!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, take your cooked chicken and add the buffalo wing sauce. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything well, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. This adds a nice flavor kick!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the chilled pasta to the bowl with the buffalo chicken, alongside the ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. This combination will add flavor and crunch!
4. Toss and Season:
Gently toss all the ingredients together in the bowl until everything is evenly mixed. Be careful not to break the pasta too much. Taste your salad and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
5. Chill and Enhance:
Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps all the flavors meld together, making it even tastier. If you like it spicier, feel free to drizzle some extra buffalo sauce on top just before serving!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your buffalo chicken pasta salad is ready to serve! This dish works great as a hearty side or a delicious main course. Enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced to mix in easily with the pasta salad.
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can substitute with a mild hot sauce or a combination of hot sauce and melted butter for a homemade version. Adjust the amount to your spice preference!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify, making it even tastier when you eat it the next day!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this salad by adding other veggies like diced cucumbers, sweet corn, or chopped carrots. Just make sure to keep the balance of flavors and textures!
