Get ready to fall in love with Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, a lively mash-up that’s savory, tangy, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy. Imagine your favorite bold Buffalo wings, tender chicken, colorful crunchy veggies, twirly pasta, and a dressing that brings it all together in every chilled, satisfying bite. It’s my go-to for potlucks, game days, or for meal prep when you want something fun and filling in the fridge. This salad isn’t just easy—it’s packed with flavor, friends, and it always draws a crowd!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together for big, bold flavor! Each one plays its part, whether it’s adding crunch, color, spicy kick, or creamy coolness. Let’s talk about what you need, and why you won’t want to skip a thing.
- Rotini or penne pasta (12 ounces): The spirals or tubes soak up all that bold Buffalo dressing—choose your favorite shape, and use gluten-free if needed!
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut superstar, making prep a breeze with plenty of juicy flavor.
- Celery (1 cup, thinly sliced): Essential for crunch and that classic Buffalo vibe, celery balances out the heat with its fresh bite.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Adds a little zing and beautiful color in every forkful—dice it small for a gentle touch.
- Carrots (1/2 cup, diced): Bright and sweet, these round out the veggies and add a pop of orange.
- Ranch dressing (1 cup): The creamy, cool base for your dressing—use Greek yogurt ranch if you want a fresher, lighter version.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): The star of the show for that signature spicy, tangy kick—adjust to your heat preference.
- Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Choose blue cheese for a classic pairing or cheddar for a milder, meltier option.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring all the flavors together—taste and tweak as you go!
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a bright finishing pop of green.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a big pot of salted water and cook your rotini or penne until just al dente—don’t overcook, because you want the pasta to stay sturdy and satisfying. Once it’s cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water right away. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta so it doesn’t wilt your veggies later!
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Chicken
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the thinly sliced celery, finely chopped red onion, and diced carrots. This step is all about building a colorful, crunchy base for your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, so take a moment to admire those vibrant layers!
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and Buffalo wing sauce. This creamy, spicy dressing is the secret weapon, bringing together all the classic Buffalo flavors in one irresistible drizzle. Taste and adjust the heat if you like it milder or want things extra fiery!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add your cooled, drained pasta to the chicken and veggie mixture. Pour the Buffalo ranch dressing over the top, and toss everything gently but thoroughly. You want every noodle and bite to get coated in that luscious, spicy, creamy goodness—don’t be shy with the tossing!
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Chill
Once everything is mixed, stir in the crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar. This final touch makes Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad taste rich and craveable. Season with salt and pepper, then pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets flavors mingle and turns this into a perfect cold pasta salad.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish makes this dish look as inviting as it tastes. Scatter chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the top just before serving. If you’re a blue cheese lover, a little extra crumble is fantastic, and an extra drizzle of ranch never hurts!
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is bold enough to shine on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crisp celery sticks, a simple green salad, or some crunchy garlic bread. When serving at a party, set it out alongside veggie platters and chips for a fun, shareable spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the salad into lettuce cups for a fuss-free, hand-held appetizer, or layer it high in a trifle dish for a pretty, colorful centerpiece. For picnics or lunches, scoop individual portions into mason jars—it’s fun, portable, and Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors. Sometimes the pasta soaks up the dressing, so add an extra splash of ranch if needed.
Freezing
Pasta salads like this don’t freeze well, since the pasta and veggies tend to get mushy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad fresh or within a couple of days for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge! If you prefer your cheese a little melty, you can let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, but reheating isn’t recommended.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Any short pasta with lots of nooks and crannies—like fusilli, shells, or bowties—works great in Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Just aim for shapes that hold onto the dressing for extra flavor in every bite.
Is there a way to make this lighter?
Yes! Swap in a Greek yogurt-based ranch for the dressing and use grilled chicken breast for fewer calories and more protein. You can also use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese entirely if you prefer.
How spicy is this pasta salad?
It’s perfectly zippy but not overwhelming, thanks to the creamy ranch balancing the Buffalo sauce. If you prefer less heat, just reduce the amount of Buffalo wing sauce, or add more for extra kick!
Can I prep Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Definitely! The flavors actually get better as they meld in the fridge. Just toss everything together, cover tightly, and chill for up to 24 hours before serving. Add fresh garnishes before serving for the best presentation.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
The quickest trick is to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment—add warm, cooked chicken breast and let it spin on low for 30 seconds. Or, simply use two forks to pull apart rotisserie or grilled chicken.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is everything I love about comfort food: bold, colorful, creamy, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, spicing up your lunch, or just craving something different, I promise this dish will add a little excitement to your table. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked in no time!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta is cooked)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of zesty Buffalo flavors with creamy ranch dressing, tossed with pasta, shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and tangy cheese. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings, picnics, or a satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
Additional:
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, red onion, and carrots.
- Make Dressing: In another bowl, whisk ranch dressing and Buffalo sauce until smooth.
- Combine: Add cooled pasta to the chicken mixture, pour dressing, and toss to coat. Mix in cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Buffalo sauce for desired heat level.
- Try Greek yogurt ranch dressing for a lighter option.
- Perfect for cookouts, game days, or meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
