Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I recommend using rotini or spiral pasta because they hold the dressing and flavors well. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try using quinoa or chickpea pasta instead.

Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option—shredded or diced. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to substitute with chickpeas or tofu for a similar texture.

Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but you can adjust the heat level by using a milder sauce or even a homemade version if you prefer. If you want a sweeter touch, consider adding a bit of honey to balance the heat.

Dressing: Ranch dressing is my go-to, but blue cheese dressing adds a nice flavor too. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan ranch or use avocado for creaminess.

Veggies: Celery and carrots add crunch, but you can also toss in bell peppers, corn, or finely chopped cucumbers for color and texture.

How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Not Soggy?

Cooking and cooling the pasta correctly is key to preventing sogginess. When making your pasta salad, follow these tips:

• Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package directions. This helps it hold up in the salad.
• Rinse the pasta in cold water right after draining. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
• Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together without making the pasta too mushy.

Following these steps will result in a pasta salad that’s fresh and tasty every time! Enjoy the crunch and flavor in every bite!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini or spiral pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup carrot, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Crumbled blue cheese for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes in the fridge to chill. Overall, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can enjoy this tasty dish. Perfect for quick meal prep!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside for now.

2. Mix the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Toss it well to make sure the chicken is fully coated in that spicy goodness. This will be the flavor base for your salad!

3. Combine Pasta and Chicken:

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the buffalo chicken mixture. This is where you’ll start to see the salad come together. Stir gently to combine without breaking up the pasta.

4. Add the Dressing:

Pour in the ranch or blue cheese dressing, mixing thoroughly until the pasta and chicken are well coated. If you like it creamier, feel free to add a bit more dressing!

5. Toss in the Veggies and Cheese:

Now it’s time to add the diced celery, carrots, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s nicely blended and colorful.

6. Season and Chill:

Give your salad a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps all the flavors meld beautifully.

7. Serve it Up:

When you’re ready to serve, you can optionally garnish your salad with crumbled blue cheese for an extra touch. Enjoy your flavorful, creamy, and slightly spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!

FAQ: Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or dice it before mixing with the buffalo sauce, and you’re good to go!

How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

If you want an extra kick, try adding more buffalo wing sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference!

Can I Prep This Salad in Advance?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.

What Should I Serve with This Pasta Salad?

This pasta salad is great on its own, but you can serve it alongside grilled meats, fresh veggies, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues!