Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: Rotini works great for this salad because its shape holds onto the dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will do. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta are also good alternatives.

Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe—it saves time and adds flavor. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, that’s perfect, too! For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or tofu marinated in buffalo sauce.

Buffalo Wing Sauce: I love Frank’s RedHot, but you can use any buffalo sauce you prefer. If you like it milder, mix the buffalo sauce with a little more ranch dressing to tone it down.

Ranch Dressing: The ranch adds creaminess and balances the heat. Homemade ranch is also a great choice, or Greek yogurt could be used for a healthier option.

Vegetables: Celery and red bell pepper add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap them out for other veggies, like cucumbers or carrots, if you have those on hand!

How Do I Keep My Pasta Salad From Getting Soggy?

To keep your pasta salad fresh and prevent sogginess, follow these tips:

• **Cook Pasta Al Dente:** This means it should be firm to the bite and not too soft, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing.
• **Cool Lord:** Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
• **Add Dressing Last:** Mixing the dressing in right before serving helps keep everything from getting too mushy in the fridge.
• **Store Separately:** If you make this salad ahead, consider keeping the dressing on the side and mixing it right before you enjoy the salad.

These tips will help your pasta salad stay delicious and maintain a great texture!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 10 minutes for preparation and approximately 30 minutes in the fridge to chill. So, you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious meal in about 40 minutes, perfect for any occasion!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—that means it should be tender but still have a little bite to it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside.

2. Mix the Chicken:

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast. Pour in the buffalo wing sauce (you can adjust how much you use based on your heat preference) and mix it well so that all the chicken is evenly coated in the spicy sauce.

3. Combine Everything:

Now it’s time to add in the pasta! Add the cooled pasta to the chicken bowl along with the ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Gently toss everything together until it’s well mixed. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

4. Chill and Serve:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets all the flavors meld together and makes the salad even tastier! When you’re ready to serve, scoop the salad into bowls and enjoy it chilled. For an extra pop, you can garnish it with more green onions or a drizzle of buffalo sauce on top.

This creamy, spicy pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch! Enjoy! 🥗

FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly. Just shred or chop it and mix it with the buffalo sauce for a time-saving option!

Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for chickpeas, diced tofu, or even some grilled veggies marinated in buffalo sauce to keep that same flavor profile without the meat.

How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the flavors!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Definitely! This salad tastes even better after chilling, as it allows the flavors to meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve!