This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a zesty mix of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and pasta dressed in a spicy buffalo sauce. It’s creamy and oh-so-flavorful!
This salad is a hit at gatherings, and leftovers are awesome too. I love adding extra ranch dressing—it makes everything even better. Who doesn’t like a little extra creaminess? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for this salad as its twists hold onto the sauce nicely. If you can’t find rotini, fusilli or penne can be great alternatives for a similar texture.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option; just shred it and toss it in the buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Sauce: This sauce gives the dish its signature kick! If you want less heat, look for a milder wing sauce or you can use a homemade version with hot sauce and butter. You can also experiment with BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch complements the buffalo flavor well. If you’re dairy-free, there are plenty of good vegan ranch dressings available, or you can whip up a simple yogurt or avocado-based dressing.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly for This Salad?
Cooking chicken properly is key to this recipe. You want it tender and juicy, without being overcooked. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat—this helps prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season them with salt and pepper for better flavor.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part—there should be no pink.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly before slicing. This keeps it juicy for the salad.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving, if desired)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking chicken)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta and chicken. It’s a quick and fun meal that’s perfect for a gathering or a tasty lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, which is typically about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until it’s no longer pink in the middle and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
After the chicken has cooled a bit, slice it into strips. In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, ensuring they are well coated. This adds a nice spicy flavor to the chicken!
4. Mix the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ranch dressing, diced celery, and shredded carrots. Toss everything together until well mixed. This creates a creamy base for your salad.
5. Combine Everything:
Gently add the buffalo chicken to the pasta mixture and toss everything together until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more buffalo sauce if you want it spicier.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta salad to a large serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. Enjoy your delicious and zesty buffalo chicken pasta salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works well for this dish, you can substitute it with other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or bow ties. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pasta and cook the chicken the day before. Assemble the salad by mixing the pasta, ranch dressing, celery, shredded carrots, and buffalo chicken right before serving to keep everything fresh. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing?
If ranch dressing isn’t available, you can use blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor. Alternatively, mix together plain yogurt with some dried herbs like dill and garlic powder for a homemade ranch-style substitute.
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld over time, but you’ll want to give it a good stir before serving again, and add a splash of ranch or buffalo sauce if it seems dry.
