Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, cooked pasta, crisp fresh vegetables, creamy ranch dressing, and tangy Buffalo sauce to create a flavorful and satisfying twist on classic pasta salad. Perfect for lunches, potlucks, picnics, and easy summer dinners, this dish balances spicy, creamy, and fresh elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz rotini or bow-tie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking and prepare for the salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, Buffalo sauce, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked chicken, Buffalo sauce, finely diced celery, diced red bell pepper, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese if using.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and Buffalo sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add freshness and color to the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the salad gently once more. If desired, add a little extra ranch dressing or Buffalo sauce to taste for added creaminess or heat.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe especially quick and convenient.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level, adding more for extra heat or less for a milder flavor.
- Blue cheese offers a classic Buffalo flavor but can be omitted or replaced with feta cheese for a different twist.
- For additional crunch, consider adding shredded carrots or chopped cucumber.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Pasta, Lunch, Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
