This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty mix of pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s perfect for picnics or as a quick meal!
You can customize the spice by adjusting the buffalo sauce. Honestly, I love tossing some extra celery on top for crunch. Trust me, it makes a satisfying bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its ability to hold onto dressings and sauces. If you don’t have rotini, you can use penne or fusilli as great alternatives. They will still give that nice bite to your salad.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect here. For convenience, I often use rotisserie chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu instead, seasoned with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce. For a milder version, you might use barbecue sauce or a mix of hot sauce and butter if you want to keep that rich flavor without the heat.
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch dressing adds a special touch, but store-bought works just fine. If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a healthier substitute.
Blue Cheese: The blue cheese adds zing but can be an acquired taste. If you’re not a fan, feta cheese or even a bit of Parmesan can offer a nice alternative.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Pasta Texture?
Getting the pasta just right is key for this salad. Cook the rotini until it’s al dente, which means it will still have a little firmness. Here’s how:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the pasta.
- Follow package instructions for cooking time, but start checking for doneness a minute or two early.
- Once it’s done, quickly drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This helps maintain that perfect texture!
Making sure your pasta is perfectly cooked keeps the salad from becoming too mushy. Happy cooking!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Chicken:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Dressings & Flavorings:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Vegetables:
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated or shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Add-Ons:
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 10 minutes to prep and cook, plus an extra 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, spicy salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside for later.
2. Combine Chicken and Buffalo Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, take the shredded or diced chicken and pour in the buffalo sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the spicy sauce. This will give your salad a great flavor!
3. Mix It All Together:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked pasta, ranch dressing, diced celery, grated carrots, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the chicken. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well mixed and coated in deliciousness.
4. Optional Blue Cheese:
If you love the taste of blue cheese, you can gently fold in the blue cheese crumbles at this point for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a great addition, but feel free to skip it if you prefer your salad without.
5. Seasoning:
Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and if you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. For a pretty presentation, garnish with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Chill and Enjoy:
Finally, cover the pasta salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and makes it refreshingly tasty!
Enjoy your refreshing and spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or a tasty weeknight dinner.
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you time and still taste great. Just shred or dice the chicken and mix it with the buffalo sauce as directed in the recipe. It’s a fantastic shortcut!
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Less Spicy?
If you’re looking to tone down the spice level, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce you add and increase the ranch dressing. You can also skip the red pepper flakes for extra milder flavor. Taste as you go to achieve your desired heat level!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, give it a good stir before serving. If the salad looks dry, you can add a little more ranch dressing to refresh it!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, cucumber, or even cherry tomatoes can all add great flavor and crunch. Just make sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating!
