When life feels like a whirlwind (hello school drop-offs, meetings, and dinner deadlines), Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad swoops in like the superhero of weeknight meals. It’s got all the things we love—tangy buffalo heat, creamy ranch, crunchy veggies, and the ever-reliable chicken—all in one chilled, flavor-packed bowl.
I first threw this together on a sweltering July day when cooking a hot meal sounded about as appealing as folding a mountain of laundry. To my surprise, it became an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s cool, hearty, and tastes like football season and summer BBQs got together and made a perfect little salad baby.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
- It’s quick and easy—on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Totally make-ahead friendly. (Hint: it tastes even better the next day.)
- A winning combo of spicy, creamy, and crunchy.
- Perfect for potlucks, work lunches, or a low-key family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente and chilled
- 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded (about 1 cup)
- 4 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot), more to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
- Whip up the dressing: In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce. Give it a taste and add more heat if your taste buds are feeling bold.
- Mix the main event: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked and cooled rotini pasta, shredded chicken, celery, and carrots.
- Dress it up: Pour that spicy-creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything’s coated in deliciousness.
- Serve and enjoy: Divide into bowls and dig in—or pop it in the fridge and let the flavors mingle. It only gets better.
Quick Tips & Tricks
- Want more heat? Add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne.
- Meal prep magic: Make it the night before and let those flavors marry.
- Veggie swap: No carrots? Try shredded cabbage or diced bell pepper.
- No blue cheese? Feta or cheddar work too, if you’re in a pinch.
A Little Storytime…
This recipe was born out of fridge desperation—a lone chicken breast, half a bottle of hot sauce, and the eternal question: “What can I make that everyone will actually eat?” One mix later, my kids were scraping the bowl and asking for seconds. It’s now a summer staple in our house—and yes, I triple the batch for parties.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
Is there a low-carb version?
Try swapping rotini for a chickpea or lentil pasta, or even cauliflower florets.
Time to Dig In
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the cool, crave-worthy dish your meal plan has been missing. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or just trying to survive Monday night, this salad has your back. Quick, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying—go ahead and make a double batch. You’ll thank yourself later!
It’s the kind of recipe that effortlessly checks all the boxes: minimal ingredients, bold flavors, and a texture party in every bite. Plus, it travels well, making it your new go-to for lunches, potlucks, and last-minute gatherings. Trust me—after just one forkful, you’ll be hooked. So grab your favorite bowl, load it up, and enjoy a little buffalo magic that brings everyone to the table.
More Tasty Ideas You’ll Love
If you’re as smitten with bold flavors and hearty chicken dishes as we are, you’re in for a treat! Here are some handpicked recipes that pair perfectly with the spicy kick of Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Bookmark these for your next craving:
- For another spicy-meets-creamy favorite, try this Bold and Zesty Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Skillet—a skillet sensation that turns up the heat in all the right ways.
- Need a dish that practically makes itself? This Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the comforting, set-it-and-forget-it meal you’ll want on repeat.
- Looking to keep the buffalo theme going? Don’t miss these Blackstone Buffalo Chicken Loaded Potatoes for your next game night or backyard bash.
- Craving a buffalo bite in bowl form? You’ll love these Buffalo Chicken Bowls—they’re colorful, customizable, and totally crave-worthy.
Dive into these flavorful favorites and keep your meal game strong, one delicious chicken recipe at a time!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick, creamy, and zesty dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, and busy weeknights. Packed with rotini, shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and tangy buffalo ranch dressing, this make-ahead recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente and chilled
1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded (about 1 cup)
4 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot), more to taste
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing, crumbled blue cheese, and buffalo sauce. Taste and adjust the heat as desired.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini, shredded chicken, chopped celery, and shredded carrots.
Pour the buffalo dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
Make ahead: Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
No blue cheese? Swap with feta or cheddar.
Want it spicier? Add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Great for meal prep or as a party side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad , Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg