Buffalo chicken pasta salad is quick, easy, and full of flavor. You get a little heat from the buffalo sauce, creaminess from the dressing, and crunch from the veggies. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you want a fast and tasty meal.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
There are plenty of pasta salads out there, but this one is truly something special. It stands out for its punchy flavor, easy prep, and versatility. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for meal prep or on-the-go lunches. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken in a creative, flavorful way.
What makes this salad truly unique is how it delivers that unmistakable buffalo flavor without overpowering the dish. The ranch dressing tones down the heat just enough while the blue cheese adds that signature bite. The texture contrast of chewy pasta, crisp celery, and shredded carrots also adds to its appeal.
Best of all, this dish doesn’t require turning on the oven or spending much time cooking. You can have a big, satisfying bowl ready to go in just 10 minutes—ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients about Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Here’s everything you need to make your own buffalo chicken pasta salad at home. Keep in mind that slight variations are totally fine depending on your taste preferences.
- 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente and chilled
- 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded (about 1 cup)
- 4 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (adjust to taste; Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Directions
Start by cooking your pasta just until it reaches that perfect al dente bite—firm but not too soft. Once done, rinse it under cold water and chill it in the fridge or freezer briefly while you prep the other ingredients. This step keeps the salad cool and prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce too quickly.
Next, prepare the chicken. If you already have cooked chicken on hand, that’s perfect—just shred it finely with a fork or your hands. If you’re starting from raw, a quick pan-sear or boiling session works well. Make sure to season it lightly with salt before cooking for extra flavor.
Chop the celery into small, even slices and shred the carrots. You can use a grater, a food processor, or pre-shredded carrots to save time. Add both to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and crumbled blue cheese. Taste the dressing before adding it to the pasta—if you like more spice, add another spoonful of buffalo sauce. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can skip it or replace it with shredded mozzarella for a milder option.
Now, bring it all together. In your large bowl with the vegetables, add the chilled pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the dressing over everything and mix until each bite is evenly coated. Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta or smashing the vegetables.
Your buffalo chicken pasta salad is now ready to serve! You can eat it immediately or cover and chill it for later.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can easily become the star of your picnic table or potluck spread. Serve it cold for a refreshing side during summer or enjoy it as a light but satisfying main dish. It pairs well with grilled veggies, toasted bread, or a simple green salad.
For presentation, consider garnishing with a little extra crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch on top. If you want to make it more festive, serve it in individual cups or bowls with celery sticks on the side.
You can also bulk it up by mixing in chopped romaine lettuce or serving it inside a wrap for an easy on-the-go meal. It’s just as good the next day, which makes it a smart option for lunches or meal prep.
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
To get the best results, use freshly cooked and chilled pasta. Don’t skip chilling it—it helps the salad stay firm and avoids a mushy texture.
If you’re short on time, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves a lot of effort and adds extra flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred it well.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your liking. If you prefer it extra creamy, add more ranch. For more heat, increase the buffalo sauce. Stir the dressing separately before adding it to the salad so you can taste and adjust first.
Want to make it look more vibrant? Add chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions. Not only do they bring color, but they also enhance the overall flavor.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Store your leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because it includes chicken and dairy, avoid letting it sit out too long, especially in warm weather.
If you know you’ll be storing it for later, consider keeping the dressing separate and mixing it in just before eating. This helps maintain the best texture and prevents the pasta from getting soggy.
Before serving again, give the salad a good stir and, if needed, add a touch more dressing to freshen it up.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize. If you’re not into rotini, try it with penne, bowtie, or even macaroni. Gluten-free pasta works just as well, as long as it holds its shape after cooking.
You can swap out the blue cheese for mozzarella or cheddar for a milder, kid-friendly version. If you want a boost of veggies, toss in halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, or diced bell peppers.
For extra protein, add more chicken or toss in a few hard-boiled eggs. Want it extra spicy? Top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot pepper flakes.
You can even turn this into a baked pasta dish by layering it in a casserole dish, sprinkling cheese on top, and heating it in the oven until bubbly.
FAQ
Can I make buffalo chicken pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a few hours or even a day in advance. Keep it chilled and give it a stir before serving. Add more dressing if it seems dry.
Is buffalo chicken pasta salad spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat depending on how much buffalo sauce you use. You can easily adjust the level of spice to your preference.
Can I use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Canned chicken works in a pinch, though rotisserie chicken adds better texture and flavor.
What pasta is best for this salad?
Rotini is a great choice because it holds the dressing well, but any short pasta like penne or macaroni also works.
How long can buffalo chicken pasta salad sit out?
If serving outdoors, don’t let it sit out for more than 1–2 hours. For food safety, always keep it cool or over ice when needed.
Can I use another dressing besides ranch?
Yes! Blue cheese dressing or a Greek yogurt-based ranch alternative can also be used if you want a twist.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta (cooked al dente and chilled)
- 1 piece chicken breast (cooked and shredded, about 1 cup)
- 4 stalks celery (chopped, about 1 cup)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (adjust to taste; Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water and chill.
- Prepare the chicken by shredding it finely.
- Chop celery and shred carrots, adding both to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and crumbled blue cheese.
- In the large bowl with the vegetables, add the chilled pasta and shredded chicken.
- Pour the dressing over everything and mix until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
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