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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 65 reviews

This Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a zesty and refreshing dish combining tender rotini pasta, juicy cooked chicken, and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy buffalo-ranch dressing. Perfect as a flavorful side or a hearty lunch, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for a crowd or meal prep.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

  • 16 oz rotini pasta
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped

Vegetables

  • 0.5 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 0.75 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup grated carrot

Dressing

  • 0.75 cup buffalo sauce
  • 0.75 cup ranch dressing
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.75 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rotini pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and prevent it from sticking.
  2. Prepare Vegetables and Chicken: While the pasta is cooling, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the celery, chop the red bell pepper, thinly slice the green onions, and grate the carrots to prepare all salad components.
  3. Make Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and evenly combined, forming a creamy and flavorful dressing.
  4. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, sliced celery, bell pepper, green onions, and grated carrot. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Chilling the pasta salad before serving enhances the flavor and ensures a refreshing texture.
  • You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat level according to taste.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy prep option.
  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/buffalo-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe/