Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce; 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional); 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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If you crave bold flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of spicy tang, you have to try Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. This salad combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crunchy celery, sweet tomatoes, zesty buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a sprinkle of cheddar and blue cheese, making it a showstopper for any gathering or meal. Whether you’re planning a potluck, looking for a high-protein lunch, or just want to indulge in all the best classic buffalo flavors in pasta form, this unforgettable dish delivers every time.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy about the ingredients in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, but each one plays a crucial part in building layers of flavor, color, and irresistible texture. The result is a salad that looks as vibrant as it tastes!

Pasta (12 ounces rotini or penne): Choose a shape that holds sauce and keeps every bite tangy and satisfying.
Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly for juicy bites with minimal effort.
Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): The heart and soul of the salad, adding heat and that classic buffalo zing.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/2 cup): Creamy, cooling, and packed with flavor to balance the spice.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Binds everything with a velvety finish; swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Brings crunch and that fresh, classic buffalo pairing.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Adds juicy sweetness and bursts of color in every bite.
Red onion (1/2, finely chopped): Lends a mild sharpness and extra crunch.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts gently into the salad for savory richness.
Crumbled blue cheese (1/2 cup, optional): For those who love a pungent, creamy kick.
Green onions (2, sliced): Makes a fresh, peppery garnish to finish each serving.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Adjust to bring all the flavors together just right.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, just like you would for a classic pasta night. Add your rotini or penne and cook until perfectly al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set it aside—cold pasta is key for the best Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad texture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Buffalo Dressing

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, and mayonnaise. This trifecta creates a dressing that’s spicy, tangy, and creamy all at once. It’s the secret to coating every noodle and ingredient with that classic buffalo flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Add your cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, cherry tomatoes, and red onion right into the bowl with the dressing. Next, sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and the crumbled blue cheese if you’re going all-in on the buffalo theme. With a big spoon (or your clean hands!), toss everything together until every piece is beautifully coated in that luscious, spicy sauce.

Step 4: Season and Chill

Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed—it’s all about bringing out the best in those bold flavors. Once done, cover the bowl and let your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors marry and makes each bite even more addictive.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and a peppery crunch. Serve cold, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Garnishes

The finishing touch for this salad is all about freshness and eye appeal. Try a mix of sliced green onions, a pinch of extra blue cheese crumbles, and a light drizzle of buffalo sauce to turn each bowl into a restaurant-worthy plate. Chopped parsley or chives add a pretty pop of green if you want to go even further.

Side Dishes

Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad alongside crisp celery and carrot sticks, crusty bread for mopping up extra sauce, or a refreshing cucumber salad. It pairs perfectly with simple grilled veggies or even a bowl of classic potato chips for that party vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Spoon individual servings into cute mason jars for picnics, pile onto crisp romaine leaves for a lettuce-wrap twist, or serve on a platter surrounded by more fresh veggies for dipping. For game day, try stuffing the salad into mini sweet peppers or setting up a loaded pasta salad bar with toppings like bacon bits and extra cheeses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad isn’t recommended. Creamy dressings tend to separate and pasta can become mushy after thawing. Fresh is best for this crowd-pleaser.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip the microwave. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving—just enough to take off the chill but maintain its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, prepping it a day in advance lets all the flavors meld together, making each bite more flavorful. Just give it a good stir before serving as the dressing may settle.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Swap the mayonnaise for nonfat Greek yogurt and use a light ranch dressing. These swaps will cut fat while keeping that creamy, tangy bite you love.

Can I use a different type Salad, Main Course

Of course! Any short pasta shape like fusilli, farfalle, or even macaroni will work as long as it holds up to the robust dressing and chunky mix-ins.

What kind of chicken is best?

Leftover grilled or roasted chicken is perfect, but a store-bought rotisserie chicken can save lots of time. Just shred it and you’re good to go. You can even use diced baked tofu for a vegetarian spin.

How do I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad extra spicy?

Add more buffalo wing sauce to the dressing, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper, or top with extra hot sauce before serving. You can even mix in pickled jalapeños for a kick!

Final Thoughts

With its mix of bold buffalo flavor, cool creaminess, crunchy veggies, and satisfying pasta, Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Try it at your next picnic, potluck, or weeknight dinner—there’s a good chance it’ll become your new go-to recipe. Enjoy every spicy, cheesy, tangy bite!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a zesty and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of buffalo chicken wings with a creamy pasta salad. Perfect for a summer side dish or a game day gathering, this salad is easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces rotini or penne pasta

Chicken Mixture:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese if using. Toss until well coated.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions before serving. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.