Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzle of spicy buffalo sauce filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to summer barbecues and carefree outdoor gatherings. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, a delightful blend of tender rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and crisp vegetables, all brought together with a creamy dressing that elevates every bite. This dish isn’t just quick to whip up—ready in 30 minutes—it’s a crowd-pleaser that can effortlessly transition from a laid-back lunch to a standout side for dinner. With options to customize flavors with ranch dressing or substitute in rotisserie chicken, it stays beginner-friendly while being full of exciting twists. Curious about how this vibrant salad can spice up your next meal? Let’s dive in! Why is this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad special? Bold, Flavorful Experience: This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a flavor-packed party on your plate. Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes of prep, you can impress your guests without stress. Customizable Options: Whether you prefer blue cheese or ranch dressing, you can cater to all tastes. Perfect for Gatherings: Vibrant and colorful, it’s an eye-catching addition to any summer barbecue or picnic. Filling Yet Light: Enjoy the delightful combination of protein and veggies while keeping it refreshingly light. Try pairing it with our Grilled Chicken Skewers for a complete meal! Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients For the Pasta • Rotini Pasta – Provides the base; cook al dente for the best texture. For the Chicken • Cooked Shredded Chicken – Adds protein; using rotisserie makes it super convenient. For the Sauce • Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce – Gives the signature spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference. • Blue Cheese Dressing – Creates a creamy element; substitute with ranch dressing if desired. For the Vegetables • Celery – Adds crunch and freshness; swap for cucumber if you want a lighter crunch. • Shredded Carrots – Brings natural sweetness; can be replaced with bell peppers for added texture. • Red Bell Pepper – Introduces color and sweetness; other bell pepper colors can work too. • Red Onion – Provides sharpness; green onions are a milder alternative. For the Toppings • Crumbled Blue Cheese – Adds rich flavor; skip if lactose intolerant or use a vegan option. • Fresh Parsley – Brightens the dish; omit if fresh herbs aren’t available. For Seasoning • Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to taste. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Step 1: Cook the Pasta Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This prepares the base for your flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the hot buffalo wing sauce. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every piece is well-coated with the spicy sauce. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors deepen, creating that signature essence essential for your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Step 3: Add Fresh Vegetables Next, introduce color and crunch to the mixture. Add the diced celery, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the buffalo chicken. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed, allowing the fresh vegetables to blend into the savory, spicy chicken. This step enhances the delightful texture contrasts in your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Step 4: Combine with Pasta Now, it’s time to unite all your fabulous ingredients. Fold the cooled rotini pasta into the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring you gently mix to avoid breaking the pasta. Drizzle the creamy blue cheese dressing over the salad, tossing everything together until the rotini is thoroughly coated. This creates a luscious, satisfying blend that highlights the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad’s exciting flavors. Step 5: Add Cheese and Herbs To finish, gently incorporate crumbled blue cheese and freshly chopped parsley into the salad. Be careful not to crush the cheese or parsley as you mix. This adds rich, salty bursts of flavor and a touch of freshness that elevate the dish. The delightful combination of the creamy elements with the zesty notes is what makes this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad so special. Step 6: Adjust Seasoning Taste your flavorful creation and season with salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to adjust to suit your personal preference, ensuring the salad tastes balanced and full of flavor. This step is crucial to achieving a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad that satisfies every palate. Step 7: Chill Before Serving Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite extra delicious. The Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is best served cold, so this step is essential for achieving the perfect dish for your gathering. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir before serving it on a platter or in individual bowls. For added fun, pair the salad with crunchy celery sticks or tortilla chips for scooping. This vibrant and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed, bringing excitement to any meal or outdoor gathering! Make Ahead Options These Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad options are a blessing for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the salad components, such as the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, and the chopped vegetables, up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook and cool the rotini pasta, then combine all the elements. To maintain freshness, keep the blue cheese dressing separate until you’re about to enjoy. This way, the pasta salad remains just as delicious, bursting with flavor. You’ll have a quick, crowd-pleasing dish ready with minimal effort! Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Variations Feel free to make this dish your own with these creative twists and swaps that cater to your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Use a vegan ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing to keep it creamy without the dairy. Smoky Flavor: Opt for grilled chicken instead of shredded for a delightful, smoky flavor that’s irresistible. Crunch Boost: Add cherry tomatoes or diced cucumbers for extra crunch and a refreshing burst of summer flavor, making every bite exciting. Heat Adjustment: For a milder version, swap the hot buffalo wing sauce with a milder wing sauce or barbecue sauce for a delicious alternative. Flavorful Add-ins: Toss in some chopped avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats that also pairs beautifully with the buffalo flavors. Colorful Veggies: Don’t hesitate to interchange the red bell pepper for a mix of yellow and orange bell peppers for a vibrant, colorful presentation. Extra Herbiness: Sprinkle in some fresh cilantro along with parsley for an elevated herbal note that brightens the entire dish. Texture Twist: For added texture, toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or crunchy walnuts for a nutty kick that contrasts lovely with the creamy pasta salad. For a complete meal, consider serving this alongside our Balsamic Glazed Chicken or pair it with refreshing sides like our Cucumber Chicken Salad. Enjoy crafting your perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad! How to Store and Freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness; ensure you’ve added extra dressing if it’s looking dry. Freezer: Not recommended for freezing as the textures of pasta and vegetables may become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh! Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold; simply pull it from the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving for the best flavor. Make-Ahead: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad a day in advance and store it in the fridge; chilling enhances its bold flavors beautifully. What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad? Elevate your mealtime experience with delightful pairings that enhance the vibrant flavors of this spicy dish. Crunchy Celery Sticks: These are perfect for scooping and add a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy salad. Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside for a fun, crunchy contrast; dip them right into the salad for an exciting bite! Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweet juiciness of grilled corn complements the spiciness perfectly, adding a summer vibe. Garden Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens ties the meal together while offering a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. Lemonade or Iced Tea: A pitcher of refreshing lemonade or iced tea brightens your table and cools the heat of the pasta salad. Light Beer or Hard Seltzer: A chilled beer or bubbly seltzer enhances the casual vibe and complements the spicy tones of the dish. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, serve warm chocolate chip cookies; their sweetness offers a delightful end to the meal. Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and tang, balancing the richness of the salad elegantly. Grilled Chicken Skewers: For an extra protein boost, pair with tender chicken skewers infused with your favorite spices. These delightful pairings will create a memorable meal experience that your loved ones will cherish! Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Chill, Chill, Chill: Letting the salad chill enhances flavor; preparing it the day before elevates the taste even further. Pasta Perfection: Rinse the rotini well after cooking to prevent sticking and ensure a pleasant texture in your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Adjust the Heat: For those who love spice, feel free to increase the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference. Custom Dressing: Swap out blue cheese for ranch dressing if you prefer a milder, creamier flavor; this simple change can transform your dish. Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, use a soft touch to avoid breaking the pasta and ensure every component shines in your salad. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs What type of pasta should I use for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad? Absolutely! I recommend using rotini pasta for its ability to hold onto the flavors of the dressing and ingredients perfectly. Cook it al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes, to maintain a delightful texture. If you don’t have rotini, other short pastas like fusilli or penne can work as well. How long can I store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad in the fridge? You can store this delicious salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To prevent it from drying out, add a splash of extra blue cheese or ranch dressing before serving if it appears dry. Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad? It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the textures of the pasta and fresh vegetables can become mushy when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or make it a day ahead to enhance the flavors. Refrigerating allows it to chill perfectly for serving! What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions? Very important question! If you’re lactose intolerant, you can skip the crumbled blue cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Additionally, if you’re avoiding gluten, consider using gluten-free pasta, and be sure to choose a sauce and dressing that fit your dietary needs. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking? Great concern! Rinse the cooked rotini under cold water for about 30 seconds after draining; this stops further cooking and washes away excess starch. This step is essential to keeping your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad light and perfectly textured. Can I customize the spice level in the salad? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot buffalo wing sauce to match your spice preference. If you’re hosting, I often suggest starting with a moderate amount and allowing guests to add more sauce to their individual servings if they like it spicier. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: Bold Flavors for Any Occasion Enjoy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, a quick, flavorful dish perfect for any gathering, featuring rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy dressing. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 oz Rotini Pasta Cook al denteFor the Chicken2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken Rotisserie chicken makes it convenientFor the Sauce1/2 cup Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce Adjust to heat preference1/2 cup Blue Cheese Dressing Substitute with ranch if desiredFor the Vegetables1 cup Celery Add crunch; swap for cucumber if desired1 cup Shredded Carrots Can be replaced with bell peppers1 cup Red Bell Pepper Other bell pepper colors can work1/2 cup Red Onion Green onions are a milder alternativeFor the Toppings1/2 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese Skip if lactose intolerant or use vegan option1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Omit if fresh herbs aren't availableFor Seasoningto taste Saltto taste Pepper Equipment Large Potmixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsStart by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the hot buffalo wing sauce, toss thoroughly and let it sit for a couple of minutes.Add the diced celery, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion to the chicken and mix gently.Fold the cooled rotini pasta into the chicken and vegetable mixture, drizzle with blue cheese dressing and toss until coated.Gently incorporate crumbled blue cheese and parsley into the salad.Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.Stir before serving on a platter or in bowls. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesLetting the salad chill enhances flavor; preparing it the day before elevates taste. Rinse rotini well after cooking to prevent sticking. Adjust buffalo sauce for more heat if desired. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
