If you’re craving big flavor in a cool, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, tangy buffalo sauce, and a punch of ranch or blue cheese, every bite hits that irresistible balance of spicy, savory, and refreshing. Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic, a game-day gathering, or just a weeknight dinner that’ll wow the table, this salad brings the party—and the flavor—wherever it goes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is all about straightforward, pantry-ready ingredients that each play a starring role. From the boldness of buffalo sauce to the crunch of celery and the creaminess of cheese, every item brings something special to the mix.
- Pasta: Rotini or bowtie pasta gives the perfect bite and holds the dressing beautifully in every swirl.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced, this brings protein and heartiness—use rotisserie for speed!
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: The spicy, tangy backbone of this salad—adjust for your perfect heat level.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy, cooling, and full of flavor—pick your favorite or try half of each for a fun twist.
- Chopped Celery: Adds a classic, crisp crunch that pairs perfectly with buffalo flavors.
- Shredded Carrots: Sweet, colorful, and adds a lovely texture contrast to the mix.
- Chopped Red Onion: Just a little bit goes a long way, giving a zesty, savory punch.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese or Shredded Cheddar: Blue cheese is classic, but cheddar is a great option for a milder, meltier touch.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a hint of freshness and a bright pop of green on top.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all those bold flavors.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your rotini or bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—you want a bit of bite so it holds up in the salad. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking, keeps the pasta from sticking together, and helps the salad stay cool and refreshing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This duo is the heart of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe, creating a creamy, tangy, and spicy base that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add your cooled pasta, shredded or diced chicken, chopped celery, shredded carrots, red onion, and your cheese of choice to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, making sure every nook and cranny is coated in that luscious buffalo-ranch (or blue cheese) dressing. It’s already looking irresistible at this stage!
Step 4: Season and Chill
Taste the salad and add salt and black pepper as needed—you might want a little extra zing or a touch more heat, depending on your preferences. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle and makes the salad even more refreshing.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Right before serving, sprinkle over some fresh chopped parsley and a little extra cheese if you like. This not only makes your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe look gorgeous, but also adds a final layer of flavor and freshness.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish with extra crumbled blue cheese or a shower of sharp cheddar for extra creaminess, and don’t forget a handful of fresh parsley for color and vibrancy. A little extra buffalo sauce drizzled on top adds a pop of color and heat—just right for those who love a spicy kick!
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is a star on its own, but it’s also fantastic alongside simple sides like crunchy garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a platter of fresh-cut veggies. For a game day spread, pair it with celery sticks and carrot sticks to echo the flavors in the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a big, colorful bowl for family-style gatherings, or spoon it into individual mason jars for picnics and lunchboxes. For parties, try serving it in lettuce cups or as a filling for mini pita pockets—the options are as fun as they are tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch or snack.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze this salad, the texture of the pasta and the creamy dressing may change once thawed, making it less appealing. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or from the fridge within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving as the dressing can separate and the veggies may lose their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! Rotini and bowtie are great for holding the dressing, but penne, fusilli, or even shells work beautifully. Just choose a shape with plenty of nooks and crannies.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled chicken breast all work well. The key is to shred or dice it so it mixes evenly throughout the salad.
How can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe spicier?
If you love the heat, add extra buffalo sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dressing. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños for a fiery twist!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and skip the cheese or opt for a plant-based cheese alternative. The salad will still be creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.
How far in advance can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe?
You can make it up to a day ahead. In fact, chilling it overnight lets the flavors meld even more, making every bite just a little more delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, comforting, and sure to have everyone coming back for seconds, you simply can’t go wrong with this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and bursting with flavor—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your friends!) to a big bowl of deliciousness today.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and a zesty buffalo wing sauce dressing with crunchy vegetables and creamy blue cheese for a spicy and refreshing salad perfect for game days, picnics, or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and cool it down.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing, then fold in the cooked chicken, chopped celery, shredded carrots, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This salad is best served cold and can be made up to a day in advance for convenient meal prep.
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
