If you’re craving something that’s equal parts spicy, creamy, and delightfully fresh, let me introduce you to Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bursting with bold buffalo flavor, tender chicken, and a medley of crunchy veggies, all tossed in a creamy dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic, a potluck, or a quick weekday lunch, this pasta salad is guaranteed to become your new favorite way to enjoy those classic buffalo chicken vibes—in a totally unexpected way!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe are wonderfully simple, but each one plays a starring role in the overall flavor and texture. Don’t skip any of them—every bite is a little celebration of spicy, creamy, tangy goodness!

Rotini or Penne Pasta (8 ounces): The twisty shapes grab onto every bit of that luscious dressing, making each forkful extra satisfying.
Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver here, and it soaks up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Buffalo Wing Sauce (1/2 cup): Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but your favorite will work—this brings the signature heat and tang.
Ranch Dressing (1/2 cup): Balances the spice with cool, creamy richness and a hint of herby flavor.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Makes the dressing extra creamy and helps hold everything together.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of savory depth to the dressing.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
Diced Celery (1 cup): For that classic buffalo crunch and a refreshing bite.
Diced Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup): Pops of color and sweetness that balance the heat.
Shredded Carrots (1/2 cup): Adds vibrant color and gentle crunch to every bite.
Crumbled Blue Cheese or Shredded Cheddar (1/2 cup): Blue cheese for tangy boldness, or cheddar for a milder, creamy touch.
Chopped Green Onions (2 tablespoons): Sprinkle over the top for a fresh, zippy finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool Your Pasta

Start by getting your pasta just right: cook your rotini or penne in a big pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. You want it al dente—firm but not mushy, since it will soak up some dressing. Once it’s done, drain and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and helps the pasta cool quickly so your salad won’t turn lukewarm and sad.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Buffalo Ranch Dressing

In a large bowl (big enough to hold all your salad ingredients), whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder until the dressing is completely smooth. This is where the magic happens: the fiery, tangy, creamy base that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Veggies

Toss your cooked (and cooled) pasta into the bowl with the dressing. Add the chicken, celery, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and your choice of blue cheese or cheddar. Each ingredient brings its own texture and flavor, making the salad hearty, bright, and full of crunch.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Use a big spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together. You want every piece of pasta and chicken coated in that dreamy dressing, but be gentle so the veggies stay crisp and the cheese doesn’t get too smashed. The colors alone will make you want to dig in right away!

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes the salad refreshingly cool. Just before serving, sprinkle over the chopped green onions, and don’t be shy about drizzling on a little extra buffalo sauce or ranch if you like things saucy.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

A generous scattering of chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild bite. For even more wow-factor, try a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or an extra drizzle of buffalo wing sauce. If you love a little crunch, a handful of crushed tortilla chips or a dusting of smoked paprika can take things up a notch.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is so bold and satisfying that it pairs perfectly with simple sides. I love serving it with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a cool cucumber salad. Add a basket of warm, crusty bread or some classic potato chips for a picnic feel, and you’ve got a complete meal that makes everyone happy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve the salad in individual mason jars or small cups for easy grabbing. You can also spoon it into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist. Or, pile it high on a big platter and let everyone dive in family-style. However you present it, the vibrant colors and creamy dressing are sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up a bit more dressing as it sits, so you can always stir in a splash of ranch or buffalo sauce before serving it again.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe doesn’t freeze well—the creamy dressing and fresh veggies just don’t hold up to freezing and thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you do want to take the chill off, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving, or give it a gentle toss after adding a bit more dressing to freshen things up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While rotini and penne work great for holding the dressing, you can use bowtie, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just stick to short, sturdy shapes for the best texture.

What kind of chicken works best?

Cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor, but any leftover grilled or baked chicken will work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s not overly seasoned so the buffalo flavors shine.

Is there a way to make this salad less spicy?

Definitely! Simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce and increase the ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Swap in mild cheddar for blue cheese to keep things smooth and mellow.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep it a day ahead—the flavors actually get better as they meld. Just wait to add the green onions and any crunchy toppings until right before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

It’s perfect for meal prep! Divide it into individual containers and refrigerate for healthy, grab-and-go lunches all week. Just add a little extra dressing if it seems dry after sitting.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a flavor-packed meal that never fails to impress, whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring solo. Give it a try and let the bold, creamy, and crunchy bites win you over. Your next picnic, potluck, or lunch break just got a whole lot more exciting!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (includes 30 minutes chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful, spicy, and creamy dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. It combines tender cooked pasta, shredded chicken tossed in a zesty buffalo wing sauce mixed with ranch and mayonnaise, and crisp vegetables for a satisfying cold salad with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

8 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

Dressing and Seasonings

1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Vegetables and Cheese

1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced celery, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and cheese to the dressing. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top and optionally add more buffalo wing sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Notes

Great for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep due to its convenient make-ahead nature.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
Substitute blue cheese with shredded cheddar for a milder, creamier flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American