This Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a spicy delight! Packed with chickpeas, pasta, and a zesty buffalo sauce, it’s perfect for lunch or a side dish at a picnic.
Making this salad is a breeze! I whip it up in about 20 minutes. Plus, if you love a bit of heat, like I do, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for this salad because its spirals hold onto the dressing well. Penne works, too! If gluten-free is your thing, try chickpea or quinoa pasta instead.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient! If you want to use dried, just remember to soak and cook them first. White beans are a great substitute if chickpeas aren’t available.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the heat level by choosing your favorite buffalo sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, you can mix it with some ranch dressing to tone it down. It’s all about your taste!
Veggies: Celery, red onion, and carrots give a nice crunch! Feel free to switch things up and add bell peppers or cucumber if you want to change it up.
Blue Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta or goat cheese can work well, too. You can also leave the cheese out for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta perfectly can sometimes feel tricky. Here’s how I like to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the pasta.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. This means it should still have a bite!
- Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- This keeps the pasta from getting mushy in your salad!
Don’t forget to taste a piece towards the end of cooking to get it just right!
Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chopping veggies, and another 10 minutes mixing everything together and chilling it before serving. Perfect for a quick meal or a side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it off. Set it aside for now.
2. Combine Chickpeas and Buffalo Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chickpeas and toss gently until they are fully coated in the sauce. This will give the salad a nice spicy flavor!
3. Mix in the Pasta:
Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the buffalo chickpeas. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. This is where all those flavors start to come together!
4. Add Veggies and Season:
Stir in the diced celery, chopped red onion, shredded carrots, and fresh parsley. These ingredients add crunch and freshness to the salad. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, tasting as you go!
5. Finish with Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using blue cheese, sprinkle it over the top or mix it gently into the salad. This adds an extra creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce!
6. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together. If you’d like, serve it with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the spice.
7. Enjoy!
Your spicy and tasty Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is ready! Serve this delightful dish at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a satisfying meal. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this salad. Look for chickpea or rice-based pasta for the best texture and flavor. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package!
How Spicy is This Salad?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less buffalo sauce, then taste and add more as desired. You can also mix in some ranch dressing to mellow out the spice!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, but if you like, you can warm it up slightly in the microwave. Just be gentle so the pasta doesn’t get mushy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, cucumber, or even corn would be great additions that enhance the crunch and flavor of the salad!
