Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne); 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced); 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or ranch dressing; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

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If you love bold flavors, a little heat, and seriously satisfying bites, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession. This vibrant dish brings together juicy chicken, tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, spicy buffalo dressing, all tossed into one bowl perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, picnic baskets, or potluck tables. Every ingredient has its role—pasta soaks up all the sauce, the veggies add freshness and crunch, and the cheese brings a touch of indulgence. One forkful, and you’ll see why Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad isn’t just a salad; it’s a meal in itself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad recipe builds layer after layer of flavor and texture. These ingredients are simple to find, but together, they create a craveable, colorful salad with a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch.

Pasta: Rotini or penne holds the dressing beautifully; cook until al dente for the best texture.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced, leftovers or rotisserie chicken work wonders for speedy prep.
Buffalo Sauce: The heart of this recipe, lending fiery, tangy flavor; adjust to your spice tolerance.
Greek Yogurt or Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cooling, Greek yogurt amps up protein, while ranch offers classic comfort.
Diced Celery: Adds crispness and a touch of brightness to balance the spice.
Shredded Carrots: Bring sweetness and gorgeous color for visual and taste appeal.
Chopped Red Onion: A bit of bite and a pop of color make each bite lively.
Crumbled Blue Cheese or Shredded Cheddar (optional): Blue cheese gives classic buffalo flavor; cheddar is milder but still delicious.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste and bring all the flavors to life.
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley: Use as a garnish for freshness and a finishing touch.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta of choice—rotini or penne are perfect for grabbing all that delicious dressing. Cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water right away. Chilling the pasta quickly stops the cooking process and ensures your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad stays light and bouncy, never mushy.

Step 2: Whisk the Buffalo Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce and your choice of either plain Greek yogurt or ranch dressing. The yogurt brings a protein kick and a tangy lift, while ranch adds soothing herbal notes. This creamy, spicy base is what will coat every noodle and veggie perfectly.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Veggies

To the buffalo dressing, add your cooked, shredded (or diced) chicken breast, diced celery, shredded carrots, chopped red onion, and—if you like—a generous handful of crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar. Each veggie brings its own crunch and color, transforming the salad into a feast for both your eyes and taste buds.

Step 4: Mix in the Cooled Pasta

Now it’s time to marry everything together! Add your chilled, well-drained pasta to the bowl and gently toss until every spiral and shell is coated and the goodies are evenly distributed. Don’t forget to taste; season with salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors just right.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Pop the mixed salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—it gives the flavors time to meld and lets the chill set in for that perfectly refreshing bite. Right before serving, sprinkle on plenty of chopped green onions or parsley for extra freshness and a bit of flair.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This is where you can really make your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad pop. Shower the top with extra green onions or chopped parsley just before serving for a punch of color and garden-fresh taste. If you’re a cheese lover, add a few more crumbles of blue cheese or a handful of shredded cheddar right on top for a fun, melty bite.

Side Dishes

Although this salad easily stands on its own, it also loves some company. Serve it with crunchy celery sticks, a platter of juicy watermelon, or a simple green leaf salad for balance. If you’re hosting a game day or backyard bash, it’s the ideal partner for grilled corn or crispy potato chips.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual mason jars make this salad picnic-perfect and portable—just layer the pasta salad and keep the garnish separate until it’s time to eat. For potlucks, bring it in a big, colorful bowl and circle with veggie dippers for dipping. Or scoop onto lettuce leaves for an extra-fresh, hand-held option at parties and lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is just as tasty the next day, making it fantastic for packed lunches or meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this pasta salad, it’s not recommended. The creamy dressing and veggies tend to lose their texture and freshness once thawed, so for best results, enjoy this dish freshly made or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

This pasta salad is designed to be served cold, but if you want to knock the chill off, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. If you prefer a slightly warm dish, gently microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds—but note that the creamy dressing may change texture slightly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Salad

Absolutely! While rotini or penne are delicious and grab the dressing nicely, feel free to use bowties, shells, or any short pasta you enjoy. Just make sure to cook it until al dente so it holds up well in the salad.

How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad?

The spice level really depends on your choice of buffalo sauce. Use a mild variety for gentle heat or go bold with a spicy version if you love a kick. You can also drizzle a little extra sauce over the top for spice lovers in your crowd.

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is a meal prep superstar! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, so it’s perfect for prepping the night before a picnic, party, or busy workday.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan option?

For a dairy-free twist, swap the Greek yogurt or ranch for a dairy-free alternative and use your favorite plant-based cheese (or skip the cheese altogether). You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute for a vegan version.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken makes this salad extra speedy. Just shred or dice it and toss it in—it will soak up the buffalo sauce beautifully and save you time.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes pack as much punch and personality as Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Whether you’re a spice fan or just love a bold, hearty salad, this recipe has so much to offer. Grab your mixing bowl and give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for potlucks, family meals, and everything in between!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A zesty and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad that combines tender pasta with tangy buffalo sauce, creamy Greek yogurt, and crunchy veggies. Perfect for a quick meal or to impress at a picnic or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)

Chicken:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)

Sauce:

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Dressing:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or ranch dressing

Veggies:

1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Cheese (optional):

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar

Seasoning:

Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, mix buffalo sauce and Greek yogurt or ranch dressing until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, celery, carrots, onion, and cheese if using. Mix well.
Toss with Pasta: Add cooled pasta to the bowl and mix until everything is coated.
Season and Chill: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.