Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I recommend using rotini for its shape, but any spiral pasta works well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Cooking it al dente gives a nice texture.

Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is the star of the show! If you prefer less heat, use a milder hot sauce or a buffalo sauce that’s labeled as mild. You could also make your own spicy sauce with cayenne and vinegar.

Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here, adding flavor and saving time. If you want to keep it vegetarian, consider using chickpeas or tofu as a protein option.

Dressings: Adjust the mayonnaise and ranch dressing to your liking. For a lighter version, swap half of the mayo with Greek yogurt. For dairy-free, try a plant-based ranch dressing.

How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Salad Stays Creamy?

To keep your pasta salad creamy and not dry, it’s important to mix the dressing while the pasta is still warm. This helps the pasta absorb some of the flavors. Keep the salad chilled before serving, and consider adding a splash more dressing if it seems dry after chilling.

• Use enough dressing to coat everything well. If it seems too thick, laugh in a little water or extra ranch to loosen it up.
• Stir gently when combining so you don’t break the pasta or chicken.
• For added creaminess, you can sprinkle some crumbled feta or blue cheese on top before serving.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta and Chicken:

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta), cooked and drained
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded

Dressings:

• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Veggies:

• 1 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)

Spices:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish or extra heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for chilling. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for get-togethers or meal prep for the week!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cooking the Pasta:

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.

2. Making the Dressing:

In a separate large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.

3. Combining Ingredients:

Now, add the cooled pasta, shredded carrot, chopped celery, and sliced green onions into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.

4. Preparing the Chicken:

If you like, warm the cooked chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little buffalo sauce, or simply toss it lightly in some buffalo sauce to give it flavor. Then, slice it or leave it shredded as you prefer.

5. Serving:

In a large serving bowl, place the pasta salad and top it with the warm buffalo chicken. Add a sprinkle of extra green onions and red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat and color.

6. Chilling:

For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Enjoy your creamy, tangy, and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a delicious meal at home!

FAQs for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it a great way to use up what you have. Just toss it with a little buffalo sauce to get that delicious flavor.

Is This Recipe Spicy?

This pasta salad has a kick from the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference. Use a milder buffalo sauce for a less spicy dish, or omit the red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes better after the flavors have melded for a few hours!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, and feel free to add a little extra dressing if it seems dry.