This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic pasta salads! It’s packed with tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and your favorite veggies, all mixed with pasta.
If you love a little heat, this dish is for you! It’s colorful, flavorful, and perfect for picnics or quick lunches. I can’t resist a big bowl of this—who can? 🍴
Making it is super easy! Just cook the pasta, toss in the chicken and veggies, and drizzle with sauce. You’ll have a fresh and zingy meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisted pasta shape holds onto the sauce well! You can swap it for any other pasta like penne or fusilli if you prefer. Gluten-free options, such as chickpea or lentil pasta, also work nicely for a gluten-free version.
Cooked Chicken: You have great flexibility here! Rotisserie chicken is super handy and saves time. If you need a vegetarian option, shredded jackfruit or chickpeas can stand in beautifully, though the taste will be lighter.
Buffalo Sauce: This is the star of the dish! Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you want a milder flavor, try a mix of BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce or use a homemade version with less hot sauce.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: For a lighter choice, Greek yogurt can replace both mayonnaise and sour cream. This adds protein and a tangy flavor while keeping the dressing creamy.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap in any crunchy veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or cucumber. I love adding a bit of diced avocado for creaminess too!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Extra Flavorful?
The key to a delicious pasta salad is allowing the flavors to develop. Chilling the salad is essential! Here’s how to ensure your pasta salad tastes amazing:
- Cook the pasta according to the package, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps it stay firm and prevents it from getting mushy.
- Combine the sauce ingredients while the pasta cools, allowing time for the flavors to blend.
- Mix in your pasta and other ingredients, then taste! Adjust seasoning or add more buffalo sauce if you want more spice.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs!
These steps will help all the flavors come together beautifully for a satisfying dish every time.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus additional for garnish)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
For Garnish:
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just under an hour, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s cooked, drain it and give it a rinse under cold water until it’s cool. This helps to stop the cooking process and prevents the pasta from getting mushy. Set it aside for now.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth. This will be your creamy and spicy dressing!
3. Combine All the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add flavor! To the dressing, add the cooled pasta, sliced or shredded chicken, shredded carrots, diced celery, and chopped green onions. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with that delicious dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your salad a little taste and see if you’d like to adjust the flavor. This might be the time to add a splash more of buffalo sauce if you like it extra spicy!
5. Chill and Let the Flavors Meld:
Put the salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to mix together beautifully, making every bite extra tasty.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Before you serve your pasta salad, take it out of the fridge. Garnish with some extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. Enjoy your spicy and refreshing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can substitute it with any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just cook it according to package directions and let it cool before mixing with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of buffalo sauce in the dressing, or add some chopped jalapeños. You can also sprinkle more crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving for an extra kick!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly! Just shred or dice it and toss it into the salad with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to save time and reduce waste in the kitchen.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
