Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a zesty and creamy cold salad featuring tender rotini pasta, shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy buffalo sauce mixed with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for summertime gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded or cubed chicken, chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Add more buffalo sauce if you prefer an extra spicy kick.
- This salad can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
