This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun and spicy twist on a classic. It mixes tender pasta with zesty buffalo chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing!
If you love a kick in your meal, this salad is for you! It’s perfect for summer picnics or a quick dinner. I often make it ahead, and it tastes even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This swirl-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the delicious sauce. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap rotini for other pasta like penne or fusilli, which also hold dressing beautifully.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken snacks well in this dish. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for ease, but if you’re looking for something lighter, shredded turkey works well too.
Buffalo Sauce: For that tangy, spicy kick! Not a fan of spice? Try using BBQ sauce or a mild hot sauce. You can also make your own buffalo sauce using hot sauce and melted butter if you prefer control over the heat level.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: They add a fantastic flavor! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feta cheese is a great substitute or even mozzarella for something milder.
Ranch Dressing: It brings everything together! You can substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with a little bit of milk and ranch seasoning if you want a healthier option.
Why Rinse the Pasta After Cooking?
Rinsing your pasta is a step some skip, but it helps in two significant ways. First, it cools down the pasta quickly, which is essential for a salad. Second, it washes off excess starch that can make the dish too sticky. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the rotini, drain it in a colander.
- Rinse it under cold running water for a few seconds to stop the cooking process.
- Shake off excess water, and you’re good to go!
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes getting this tasty meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After it’s done cooking, drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will help stop the cooking process and keep the pasta nice and firm.
2. Mixing the Chicken and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, take your shredded chicken and pour in the buffalo sauce. Use a spoon or spatula to toss the chicken until it’s well-coated with the sauce. Feel free to add more buffalo sauce if you want it spicier!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the chicken. Gently mix everything together. Then, add in the diced celery, shredded carrots, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped green onions. Stir gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Dressing and Seasoning:
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is combined. Taste your salad and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
5. Chilling Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, you could serve it right away, but chilling it makes a big difference!
6. Serving Up Your Salad:
Once chilled, remove your salad from the fridge. You can serve it cold or at room temperature—whichever you prefer. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions for al dente texture.
What If I Don’t Have Blue Cheese?
No problem! If blue cheese isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, try using feta cheese or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Shredded cheddar or mozzarella also work if you prefer a milder cheese.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, you can add a bit more ranch dressing before serving to revive the flavors!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste, or mix in a little more ranch dressing to balance the heat. Alternatively, you can add a bit of honey to sweeten it up if you find it too spicy!
