This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of cooked pasta, spicy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken. It’s zesty, creamy, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s great for meal prep. I love how the flavors get better after a day in the fridge. Plus, it’s like having wings but in a pasta form—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini or Radiatori Pasta: Both of these pasta shapes hold the dressing well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just ensure it’s bite-sized to make mixing and eating easier.
Cooked Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled or baked chicken breast works well. You could also replace it with chickpeas for a vegetarian spin!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you like it milder, use less or mix it with some barbecue sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, check for vegan buffalo sauces!
Cheese: While I love blue cheese for its strong flavor, shredded cheddar is a great choice too. If you’re not a cheese fan, simply leave it out or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Is Well Mixed?
A common struggle with pasta salad is ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your pasta is fully cooled before mixing. This prevents the mayo from melting and helps everything stick together.
- Add the sauce gradually to avoid over-saturating. Start with half and mix, then add more if needed.
- Use two spoons or a spatula to gently fold the ingredients. This preserves the shape of the veggies and pasta.
- Let it chill! Refrigerating the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to blend nicely.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious pasta salad that’s full of flavor in every bite!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked rotini or radiatori pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 1 hour for chilling in the fridge. So, in total, set aside 1 hour and 15 minutes to have this scrumptious dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Set it aside for later.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, shredded carrot, chopped red onion, and your choice of cheese (blue cheese or cheddar). This combination adds crunch and flavor!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. This dressing gives the pasta salad its delicious flavor!
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to break the pasta or cheese!
5. Chill In the Fridge:
Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir, then serve it cold. If you like, garnish with extra chopped celery or crumbled blue cheese on top for presentation. Enjoy your zesty, creamy pasta salad!
This salad blends the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with creamy dressing and crunchy veggies, creating a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly in this pasta salad. Just be sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
What if I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute the blue cheese with shredded cheddar cheese or a mild cheese like mozzarella. If you’d prefer a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify over time, but make sure to give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the salad a day in advance and let it chill in the fridge. Just remember to toss it again before serving to mix the flavors!
