If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s equal parts zesty, creamy, and satisfying, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s everything you love about classic buffalo wings transformed into a hearty, flavor-packed pasta salad, perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or just a lively weeknight dinner. Each bite delivers the tangy heat of buffalo sauce, tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a cool, ranchy finish—making this recipe a guaranteed hit for anyone who craves a little spice in their life.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is how it brings together pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create bold, layered flavors. Every component adds something special—texture, richness, or a splash of color—so don’t be tempted to skip a thing!

Cooked pasta (3 cups, such as rotini or penne): The perfect base—choose a shape that holds onto plenty of sauce for every bite.
Cooked and shredded chicken breast (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken makes this step a breeze and gives the salad hearty protein.
Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): This is where all that signature tangy, spicy flavor comes from. Adjust more or less to suit your heat preference.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/2 cup): Creamy, cooling, and just what you need to balance the buffalo kick. Pick your favorite!
Celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup): Adds that classic crunch and freshness you expect with buffalo chicken.
Red bell pepper, diced (1/2 cup): Sweet, crisp, and colorful—a welcome contrast to the heat.
Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): For a little bite and extra pop of flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melty, sharp, and totally irresistible in every forkful.
Crumbled blue cheese (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love a bold, tangy finish—totally optional but highly recommended.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget these classics to bring all the flavors into balance.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green makes everything feel fresh and inviting.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta and Chicken

Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, shred your cooked chicken breast—rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, setting the stage for all those flavors to mingle.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Buffalo Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This creamy-spicy combo is the heart of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe, so take a quick taste and adjust the heat or creaminess to your liking.

Step 3: Mix in the Veggies and Cheese

Pour the buffalo dressing over the pasta and chicken, then add the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and the salad looks vibrant and inviting.

Step 4: Season and Chill

Season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one final toss, then cover and chill the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, top your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe with crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. These finishing touches add a gourmet feel and a burst of fresh flavor.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of crumbled blue cheese and a scatter of chopped fresh parsley make this salad shine, both visually and flavor-wise. If you like extra crunch, toss on a few more chopped celery leaves or even a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for more heat.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with crisp veggie sticks, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. For summer cookouts, serve it alongside grilled corn or coleslaw for a festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is fantastic served in a big, colorful bowl for sharing, but you can also portion it into mason jars for picnic lunches or individual cups for party appetizers. Top each serving with a celery stick for a playful, finger-food vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change the texture of the pasta and veggies. If you need to prep ahead, simply store the components separately and combine before serving for the freshest result.

Reheating

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill and bring out all the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish or Main Course

Absolutely! Rotini and penne are great because they grab onto the dressing, but shells or bowties work well too. Just avoid delicate pastas that might fall apart when tossed.

What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing!

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes! Try shredded turkey, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. The buffalo flavor pairs well with a variety of proteins.

How can I make this less spicy?

If you’re sensitive to heat, use less buffalo sauce or add extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to dial back the spice. You can also offer extra dressing on the side for guests to customize their bowls.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Definitely. The flavors get even better with time, making it an excellent choice for lunchboxes or quick dinners throughout the week. Just store in airtight containers and keep chilled.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic or serving it at a game-day gathering, it’s bound to become a new favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after just one bite!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A zesty and creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad that combines tender shredded chicken, cooked pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy buffalo wing sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a hearty main course for picnics, potlucks, or summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

Vegetables & Cheese

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Seasoning & Garnish

Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken breast, making sure the pasta is cooled to avoid sogginess.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.
Mix Ingredients: Pour the buffalo dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Add finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference and mix lightly.
Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top if desired, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for extra color and freshness.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and rich flavor.
Adjust the buffalo wing sauce quantity to control the spiciness of the salad.
This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish or Main Course
Method: No-Cook (except boiling pasta)
Cuisine: American