Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements in one bowl, the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This salad marries tender shredded chicken with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all tossed in a luscious blend of buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise. The colorful crunch of celery, red bell pepper, and red onion adds freshness, while shredded cheddar cheese melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s an absolutely irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up for picnics, potlucks, or a fun family dinner. Trust me, once you try this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe, it’ll be a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing its own unique flair to the dish—from the spicy kick of buffalo sauce to the creamy smoothness of ranch and mayo, and the satisfying textures provided by fresh veggies and cheese.
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta: Make sure it’s cooled to avoid soggy salad and hold the dressing perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped: Adds hearty protein and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show, delivering that signature spicy punch.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Brings a cool, creamy balance to the heat.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates smooth richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1/2 cup diced celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to contrast the creamy dressing.
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Gives a mild, savory sharpness with a pop of purple.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the salad, enhancing flavor depth.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herbal finish that freshens every forkful.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. This creamy and spicy combination is the magic that dresses the salad, delivering layers of flavor in every bite. Whisk it until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooled rotini pasta and shredded chicken breast to the bowl. Using cooked chicken gives you tender protein that’s full of flavor and works perfectly as the hearty base of the salad.
Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies and Cheese
Stir in the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. These ingredients add the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, sharpness, and creamy richness that keep the salad exciting with every bite.
Step 4: Toss and Season
Gently toss everything together until all the pasta, chicken, and veggies are evenly coated in that luscious buffalo dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste — this step is vital to bring out the full depth of flavors.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you’re using it — it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, try adding a few more shredded cheddar cheese sprinkles or some extra chopped celery and red bell pepper on top for an eye-catching crunch. A little drizzle of buffalo sauce at the end can also boost the heat and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad shines when paired with simple sides like crisp green salad leaves, corn on the cob, or buttery garlic bread. If it’s a picnic or casual get-together, tortilla chips or crunchy veggie sticks are also perfect companions to scoop up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve this salad in a hollowed-out bell pepper or mini bell pepper “boats” for colorful, bite-sized servings. You could also layer it in mason jars for a charming grab-and-go lunch option, making it as practical as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, so freezing isn’t recommended. The mayonnaise and ranch dressing tend to separate when frozen, which can affect the taste and texture once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, there’s no need to reheat. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying — it’s just as delightful without heat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the dressing, you can experiment with shells, bow ties, or penne depending on what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook and cool it thoroughly before mixing.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe?
The level of spiciness is moderate and can be easily adjusted. If you love heat, add extra buffalo wing sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the buffalo sauce and balance with additional ranch dressing.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use vegan mayonnaise and ranch-style dressing, and select a plant-based buffalo sauce. The salad may taste a bit different, but it will still be tasty and satisfying.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Many kids enjoy the creamy and mildly spicy flavor combination. If your kids prefer less heat, simply reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the ranch dressing for a mellower taste.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart or toss it in a food processor for just a few quick pulses. Shredded chicken blends more seamlessly into the pasta salad, creating the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those culinary gems that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The harmony of spicy buffalo tang, cool ranch creaminess, and fresh veggie crunch makes it an absolute standout every time. Whether you’re serving it up for friends or sneaking a bowl for yourself, I promise this salad will become an all-time favorite. So, grab your ingredients and give it a whirl—you’re about to enjoy your new go-to dish!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and a zesty buffalo wing sauce blended with ranch and mayonnaise. This chilled pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick, tasty lunch with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta (cooled)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Garnish & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the Main Ingredients: Add the cooled cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, diced celery, red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese into the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy buffalo-ranch dressing.
- Season: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing lightly to distribute the seasoning.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pasta salad chilled.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more buffalo wing sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut to save cooking time.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated, allowing flavors to develop further.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
