If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s an absolute game changer for those who love classic buffalo wings but want a refreshing, hearty salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. The tender shredded chicken and al dente rotini pasta create a fantastic base, while the tangy buffalo sauce combined with cool ranch dressing and crisp veggies makes every bite an explosion of taste and texture. Trust me, once you try this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe lies in how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component adds its own touch—whether it’s the tender chicken for protein, crunchy celery for a fresh snap, or the creamy blue cheese to mellow the heat. Together, they create a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- 2 cups rotini pasta: Cooked al dente and chilled to give you that perfect, chewy texture that holds the dressing well.
- 1 cooked chicken breast: Shredded, about 1 cup, bringing hearty protein and that satisfying buffalo chicken flavor.
- 4 stalks celery: Chopped (about 1 cup), adding crisp, refreshing crunch to balance the creamy dressing.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Bright, sweet, and colorful, they add a subtle earthiness and great texture.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Creamy and cooling, it smooths out the fiery buffalo sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce: Like Frank’s RedHot; adjustable to taste for your preferred level of heat.
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese: Adds tangy, savory bursts that elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and crumbled blue cheese in a small bowl. Taste as you go, adjusting the buffalo wing sauce until you hit that perfect spicy-creamy balance. This dressing is the heart of the salad, so getting it right makes all the difference.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Ingredients
Ensure your rotini pasta is cooked al dente and fully chilled—this keeps it from becoming mushy. Shred the cooked chicken breast finely to distribute the flavors evenly. Chop the celery and shred the carrots so the salad has plenty of crunchy, fresh elements for contrast.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chilled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, and carrots. This creates a colorful, hearty base that’s ready to be dazzled by the zesty dressing.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over your combined ingredients and toss thoroughly until every bit is coated with that luscious buffalo-ranch mixture. Serve it chilled for the best refreshing, spicy kick. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is fabulous right away or after sitting a bit in the fridge to marry the flavors.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation and flavor by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra crumbled blue cheese on top. A few sliced green onions or a handful of chopped scallions also add brightness and a mild oniony zing that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo notes.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own as a satisfying meal but also pairs wonderfully with crunchy garlic bread or soft dinner rolls. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to keep your meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, consider serving the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or clear bowls to showcase its vibrant colors. You might also scoop it onto large lettuce leaves for a refreshing twist, turning it into crisp salad cups that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, though the celery’s crunch might soften a bit, so enjoy it fresh if you prefer maximum crispness.
Freezing
Because this salad contains ranch dressing and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the celery and carrots will degrade, and the dressing can separate, resulting in a less pleasant eating experience once thawed.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it slightly, do so gently without the dressing and then toss with fresh dressing just before serving to maintain that creamy, spicy zip.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, penne, fusilli, or even small shell pasta will work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook it al dente to keep the salad from becoming mushy.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe?
The spiciness level depends on how much buffalo wing sauce you add. Starting with 2 tablespoons is moderate heat, but feel free to add more or less depending on your tolerance. You can always serve extra sauce on the side too.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu for protein. The buffalo-ranch dressing will still keep the salad full of flavor and spice.
Is blue cheese necessary in the recipe?
Blue cheese adds a wonderful tang and depth, but if you’re not a fan or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with feta or omit it altogether. The salad will still be delicious and creamy thanks to the ranch dressing.
What’s the best way to shred the cooked chicken?
The easiest method is to use two forks and pull the chicken apart gently. You can also shred it by hand if the chicken is cool enough to handle. This ensures tender, bite-sized pieces that blend seamlessly in the salad.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe enough for anyone craving a fun, flavorful dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser, simple to make, and perfect for any occasion. Once you taste that creamy, spicy combo dancing on your tongue with every forkful, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta and chicken if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A tangy and creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad that combines tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and rotini pasta tossed in a zesty buffalo wing and ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad brings a spicy kick balanced by cooling blue cheese and ranch flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente and chilled
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 4 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Dressing
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), more to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and crumbled blue cheese until well combined. Taste and adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chilled cooked rotini pasta, shredded cooked chicken breast, chopped celery, and shredded carrots. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the buffalo ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all components with the dressing evenly. Divide the salad into serving bowls and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, increase the amount of buffalo wing sauce in the dressing.
- Use freshly cooked pasta that has been chilled completely to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- Substitute blue cheese with feta if preferred, for a different flavor profile.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient alternative to cooked chicken breast.
