If you’re craving something creamy, tangy, and with just the right punch of heat, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender rotini pasta tossed with shredded chicken, crisp celery, and sweet shredded carrots, all smothered in a zesty buffalo-inspired ranch dressing with a sprinkle of blue cheese to top it off. It’s a perfect balance of bold flavors and refreshing crunch that comes together effortlessly, making it a standout dish whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an exciting weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each element adds its own texture, color, and flavor that blends perfectly into a vibrant and satisfying salad.
- 2 cups rotini pasta: Cooked al dente and chilled to provide a firm yet tender base that holds the dressing well.
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded: Adds protein and a subtle meaty richness to balance the spice.
- 4 stalks celery, chopped: Brings a fresh, crisp crunch that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers a pop of sweetness and colorful contrast to the salad.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Serves as the creamy, cooling component that tames the heat.
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce: Gives the signature kick of spice and tang, adjustable to your heat preference.
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese: Delivers a bold, savory punch for that classic buffalo flavor combo.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and crumbled blue cheese in a small bowl. This dressing is the heart of the dish, combining creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors into one luscious sauce. Be sure to taste as you go and adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to match how fiery you want the salad.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and chilled rotini pasta, shredded chicken breast, chopped celery, and shredded carrots. These ingredients bring a wonderful mix of textures and freshness that complement the dressing beautifully.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Pour your seasoned dressing over the pasta mixture, then stir gently until every bite is evenly coated with that flavorful sauce. Once mixed thoroughly, cover and chill the salad to let the flavors meld together nicely. Serve it cold for the best experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad with extra crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a touch of color and added zing. You can even add a few celery leaves as a garnish to echo that fresh crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread, crunchy veggie sticks, or a light garden salad. Its bold flavor cuts through richer sides and balances well with fresh, crisp accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or crispy lettuce cups. It also makes a fantastic filling for a baguette sandwich or wraps, turning this salad into a portable delight for picnics or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing. The texture of celery and carrots will suffer, and the dressing may separate upon thawing.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer it slightly warm, serve it as a side alongside a hot main dish rather than heating the salad itself.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the dressing, other short pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or shells will work just as well.
Is it okay to substitute blue cheese dressing for the crumbled blue cheese?
You can substitute blue cheese dressing in place of the crumbled blue cheese, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly. Adding crumbled blue cheese gives you that authentic pop, so try to include it if possible.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe?
The heat level can be adjusted by how much buffalo wing sauce you add. Start with the recommended amount and increase it if you want a spicier kick. For a milder version, reduce the sauce or add more ranch dressing.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers or chickpeas for protein, and consider adding a touch of smoked paprika to mimic some smoky flavor.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?
Grilled, baked, or poached chicken breast works beautifully—just make sure it’s cooked through and shredded finely so it mixes well with the pasta and veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, crunchy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or simply looking for a flavorful lunch, this salad brings excitement and comfort in every bite. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with this easy, vibrant dish!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and zesty dish perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. Featuring tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery and carrots, and a creamy dressing spiced with buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese, this salad combines classic buffalo wing flavors with the comforting texture of rotini pasta. It’s served chilled, making it refreshing and satisfying during warmer days.
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 Ingredients
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), more to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, and crumbled blue cheese until well combined. Taste and adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and chilled rotini pasta, shredded chicken breast, chopped celery, and shredded carrots thoroughly.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently yet thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated. Divide the salad into serving bowls and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, increase the buffalo wing sauce to taste.
- You can substitute blue cheese with feta or omit it for a milder flavor.
- Make sure the pasta is completely chilled to prevent sogginess.
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
