This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty twist! It’s packed with tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and pasta, all mixed together for a colorful meal.
If you’re like me, you can’t resist a little kick in your salad. This dish is great chilled, making it perfect for picnics or a quick lunch! Enjoy every bite! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to swap with fusilli, penne, or even elbow macaroni. They all work great!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, grilled tofu or chickpeas can be a tasty substitute.
Buckalo Sauce: The star that brings the heat! If you’re sensitive to spice, a mild hot sauce or BBQ sauce can be used instead. For a homemade version, combine the same amount of hot sauce with melted butter.
Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. If you like a twist, blue cheese dressing or a vegan ranch can be great choices. You can even make your own with Greek yogurt!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a nice creamy texture. For a different flavor, try pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just remember, cheese is always a good idea!
How Do I Ensure the Pasta Salad Isn’t Soggy?
To keep your pasta salad fresh and not soggy, start with cooking the pasta al dente. This means it should have a slight bite. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This prevents it from soaking up too much dressing later on.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain it well.
- Rinse it briefly under cold water to cool it off.
- Combine all ingredients once the pasta is completely cooled to preserve the texture and crunch of veggies!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (more or less to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and can be served immediately. However, if you let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, the flavors will blend beautifully, enhancing your salad. So, plan for around 50 minutes in total if you choose to chill it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This will cool the pasta down and stop the cooking process, so it doesn’t become mushy.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and cooled rotini pasta with the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good mix so that everything is evenly distributed.
3. Adding the Dressing:
Now, pour in the ranch dressing. Toss everything together until well mixed and creamy. Taste your salad and feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing based on your preference—add more if you like it spicier or creamier!
4. Seasoning and Adding Toppings:
Season your pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, for that extra touch, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions on top.
5. Serving:
Your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately, or for the best flavor, pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes a delightful dish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and add it to the salad as instructed. This will not only save you some cooking time but also give you a delicious, flavorful base for your pasta salad.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce with a bit of melted butter. For a milder flavor, use just hot sauce, or you can experiment with barbecue sauce for a tangy twist. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
This pasta salad can be made ahead! Simply prepare it as instructed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to add fresh green onions and extra cheese right before serving to keep things fresh!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, consider adding a splash of ranch dressing and a sprinkle of fresh buffalo sauce to refresh the flavors!
