Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
A zesty, creamy pasta salad with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, and crunchy veggies. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect crowd-pleasing side or main dish for BBQs, parties, and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces (rotini or penne) – Holds dressing and sauce beautifully.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded – Adds hearty protein and absorbs buffalo flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce: ½ cup – Brings the signature spicy, tangy kick.
- Ranch Dressing: ½ cup – Creamy base that balances the heat.
- Mayonnaise: ¼ cup – Adds richness and smooth texture.
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced – Provides fresh crunch and coolness.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced – Adds sweetness and color.
- Green Onions: ¼ cup, sliced – Brightens flavor with mild onion bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup, cubed or shredded – Melts slightly and adds sharpness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste – Enhances overall seasoning.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Add cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, bell pepper, green onions, and cheese to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
- Cook to Perfection: No stove required here—the flavors develop as the salad chills.
- Finishing Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust buffalo sauce for more heat if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Chill for at least 30 minutes, then serve cold with extra drizzle of buffalo sauce and sprinkle of green onions.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente so it holds up after chilling.
- Chill salad before serving for best flavor blend.
- Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
- Add bacon or avocado for extra layers of flavor.
Find it online: https://dishmio.com/buffalo-chicken-pasta-salad/