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
Scale
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
