Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups rotini pasta; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup celery, diced; 1/2 cup carrots, shredded; 1/3 cup green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1/3 cup ranch dressing; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food Ideas

I love making this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, especially when I'm craving something flavorful and satisfying. The combination of tender pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and refreshing veggies creates a perfect blend that just works. It’s an easy recipe to whip up for lunch or dinner, and it always impresses my family. Plus, it can be served warm or cold, making it ideal for any occasion. I’ve made it several times, and it never fails to hit the spot!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-13T16:38:18.434Z

When I first tried adding buffalo chicken to pasta salad, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. After experimenting a few times, I realized that the spice from the buffalo sauce adds an amazing kick that elevates the flavors. I like to use rotisserie chicken for convenience, which cuts down on prep time and gives me the perfect texture.

One tip I’ve learned is to let the pasta cool before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps prevent the vegetables from wilting and keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. The creamy dressing balances the heat perfectly, making this salad a crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Spicy and tangy flavors that excite your taste buds
Versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm or chilled
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Perfect Pasta Cookery

The foundation of this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the rotini pasta, which acts as a perfect vehicle for holding the flavors of the sauce. When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente texture, which typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures the pasta remains firm enough to hold up against the spicy buffalo sauce, avoiding any mushiness that can detract from the overall dish.

After draining the pasta, rinsing it under cold water is crucial. This step not only cools the pasta quickly, preventing sogginess, but it also stops the cooking process immediately. The pasta should feel slightly slick but not sticky; lightly tossing it with a drizzle of olive oil can help maintain its texture before incorporation.

Balancing the Flavors

The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing not only adds a creamy tang but also helps balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. When mixing these sauces, be sure to taste and adjust according to your preference. If you're sensitive to spice, consider reducing the buffalo sauce to 1/3 cup and increasing the ranch slightly, creating a milder but still flavorful profile.

Green onions add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients. If you don’t have green onions on hand, finely chopped red onion or even diced bell peppers can serve as a suitable substitute, adjusting the taste and making it your own.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad:

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
1/3 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/3 cup ranch dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything chopped and measured before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Chicken Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, carrots, and green onions.

Mix the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooled pasta to the chicken mixture, then pour in the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy your zesty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding crumbled blue cheese or avocado to the salad. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of buffalo sauce used.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or gatherings. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop further as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day, which is my personal favorite.

If you plan to freeze the salad, consider leaving out the dressing. The textures of the pasta and vegetables may suffer when frozen, but the chicken and buffalo sauce can stay flavorful. Thaw in the fridge overnight before mixing in fresh dressing and serving, retaining a fresher taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a heartier meal, serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula. This not only adds a vibrant color to the plate but also enhances the flavors intermingling in each bite. The greens will wilt slightly if you serve it warm, which adds a refreshing element.

Alternatively, consider portioning the salad into individual cups for a fun buffet-style service. Garnishing with additional chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing can elevate the presentation and delight your guests. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks to balance the creamy richness of the salad.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

→ How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after it has had time to marinate in the fridge.