This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun and zesty dish that combines pasta, chicken, and a spicy buffalo sauce. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic treat!
You can enjoy the crunch of veggies and creamy dressing that makes this salad so tasty. I love bringing it to gatherings, and I always get asked for the recipe—it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisted pasta shape holds onto the dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, you could opt for penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if using a different type.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient for this recipe. If you’re vegetarian or need a substitute, consider chickpeas or cooked tofu for a similar texture. Both work great with buffalo sauce!
Buffalo Sauce: The star of this salad! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch dressing or yogurt to tone it down. For a vegan option, look for plant-based buffalo sauces.
Blue Cheese: This adds a tangy flavor, but if you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese makes a good substitute. For dairy-free options, try vegan blue cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Celery & Carrots: These add crunch! If you don’t have celery, diced bell peppers or cucumber can work. For carrots, shredded zucchini is a nice alternative, but it will give a slightly different flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta seems simple, but it can be tricky! To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water to prevent sticking.
- Add a good amount of salt to the water; this flavors the pasta.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Check the package for the recommended time.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta but don’t rinse if you want the sauce to stick better. If you rinse, make sure to cool it quickly under running water.
Chilling the pasta after cooking helps stop the cooking process, keeping it just right for your salad!
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to get it ready and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling some water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked). When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water so it cools down quickly. This will keep your pasta salad nice and fresh!
2. Mix the Chicken and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, take the shredded cooked chicken and pour in the buffalo sauce. Mix everything together well so the chicken is fully coated in that delicious spicy flavor.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the cooled rotini pasta, diced celery, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the bowl with your chicken mixture. Gently stir it all together so everything is nicely combined.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ranch dressing mix (if you’re using it). Mix well then pour this over your pasta salad. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
5. Add the Blue Cheese:
Now it’s time to fold in the crumbled blue cheese! Gently mix it into the salad and season with a bit of salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Once chilled, serve it cold and enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions for best results!
What If I Don’t Have Blue Cheese?
No problem! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with feta cheese, cheddar, or even mozzarella. Each will give the salad a different flavor, but they’ll still taste delicious!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, this pasta salad tastes even better after sitting for a while. You can make it up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it looks a little dry when you serve it, add a splash of buffalo sauce or a little extra mayonnaise to refresh it!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover buffalo chicken pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you need to reheat it, just note that it’s best enjoyed cold!
