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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
