Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the heat and the comfort, say hello to your new obsession: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. It’s the perfect mashup of creamy, spicy, tangy, and crunchy—all in one bold, flavor-packed bowl. Whether you’re whipping this up for a backyard BBQ, a game day spread, or meal prepping lunches for the week, this dish always hits the spot.

Tender pasta meets juicy shredded chicken, coated in that signature zesty buffalo sauce, then tossed with crisp veggies and a cool, creamy dressing to balance the heat. It’s satisfying without being too heavy, and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be making it on repeat.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish delivers major payoff with very little fuss.

Perfect for Potlucks & Parties: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—watch it disappear in minutes at your next get-together.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after it chills, so it’s ideal for prepping ahead of time.

Customizable Heat: Add more buffalo sauce for an extra kick, or mellow it out with more ranch—totally up to you.

Protein-Packed: Thanks to the chicken, this salad is hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal.

Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Cooked Pasta: Short shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are perfect for catching all that creamy, spicy sauce.

Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie for a shortcut, or cook and shred your own—either way, you want it tender and juicy.

Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! Adds that bold, spicy, vinegary zing that makes this dish sing.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy and cooling, it helps balance the heat from the buffalo sauce. Pick your favorite team—ranch or blue cheese!

Celery: For that essential crunch and freshness—plus it pairs perfectly with buffalo flavors.

Red Onion: Adds bite and color without overwhelming the dish.

Cheddar Cheese: Cubed or shredded, it adds richness and sharp flavor to every forkful.

Green Onions: For a fresh, zesty garnish that ties it all together.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking your own, poach or bake, then shred once cooled.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Taste and adjust the heat or creaminess as desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, sprinkle with green onions and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if you’re feeling bold.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

As a Main Dish: Serve it chilled with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

At a Cookout: Perfect on a buffet table next to grilled meats and summer sides.

In a Lettuce Wrap: Spoon into romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a light, low-carb option.

With Crunchy Toppings: Add crushed tortilla chips or crispy bacon bits on top just before serving for extra texture.

Additional Tips

• Spice Control: Add more ranch or dressing to tame the heat, or use mild buffalo sauce for a gentler flavor.
• Make It Ahead: Best made a few hours in advance so the flavors can really settle in.
• Add Extra Veggies: Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully here.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy kick in place of cheddar.
• Keep It Chilled: Especially if you’re serving this outdoors—store it on ice to keep things food-safe and fresh.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes! It’s actually better when it sits for a few hours in the fridge to let the flavors develop.

Q2: Can I use any kind of pasta?
A2: Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works best—they hold the sauce well and are easy to eat in a salad.

Q3: What kind of chicken should I use?
A3: Rotisserie is a quick option, but any cooked, shredded chicken works great—even grilled or baked.

Q4: Is it spicy?
A4: It can be! But the heat level is totally up to you—adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to taste.

Q5: How long does it last in the fridge?
A5: Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before serving leftovers.

Q6: Can I freeze it?
A6: Freezing isn’t recommended—the pasta and dairy-based dressing won’t hold up well.

Q7: Can I make it dairy-free?
A7: Yes—use a dairy-free dressing and skip the cheese or sub in your favorite plant-based alternative.

Q8: Can I add bacon?
A8: Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits are a delicious, smoky addition.

Q9: What dressing is better—ranch or blue cheese?
A9: It’s totally personal preference! Ranch is milder and creamier, while blue cheese adds more tang.

Q10: Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
A10: Yes, grilled chicken adds a lovely smoky flavor that pairs really well with the buffalo sauce.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the spicy, creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed dish you didn’t know you needed in your life. It’s ridiculously easy, endlessly customizable, and the kind of crowd-pleaser that’ll have people asking for the recipe after just one bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping weekday lunches, or bringing a dish to a party—this one’s always a hit. Give it a try, and get ready for your new go-to pasta salad!

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