– **Title**: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, shredded chicken, diced celery, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
7. Serve cold, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta has great texture, but you can swap it with elbow macaroni, penne, or bow ties. Choose any pasta you like or have on hand!
Chicken Breast: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you have leftover grilled chicken, that works well too, giving a smoky taste to the salad.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sauce to your taste. If you’re looking for less heat, try using a milder hot sauce or a BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of hot sauce.
Ranch Dressing: You can use homemade ranch dressing if you want to control the ingredients. A yogurt-based dressing can be a lighter alternative too!
Celery and Carrots: These add crunch, but you can substitute with bell peppers or cucumber for a different flavor and texture. I personally enjoy the sweetness of shredded bell peppers.
Green Onions: Opt for chives if you can’t find green onions. They add a milder onion flavor, which works nicely in this salad.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Flavors Meld Perfectly?
Letting your pasta salad chill is key to enhancing the flavors. This resting time allows all the ingredients to blend beautifully. Here’s how to do it right:
- Prepare the chicken and pasta while still warm, then mix them with the dressings and veggies.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better—up to a few hours is great!
- Just before serving, give it a stir and check for seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can really elevate the taste.
This technique makes a huge difference in the overall flavor, and it’s worth the wait! Enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In just under an hour, you’ll have a wonderful dish ready to enjoy—perfect for lunch or a picnic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Set it aside to cool.
2. Combine Chicken with Buffalo Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, take your cooked and shredded chicken and pour in the Buffalo wing sauce. Toss it all together so every piece of chicken is coated in that bold flavor.
3. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
Now it’s time to build your salad! To the bowl with the chicken, add the cooled rotini pasta, ranch dressing, diced celery, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Season and Add Olive Oil:
If you want to add a bit more richness, drizzle in the olive oil. Then, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix again to make sure everything is evenly seasoned.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This gives all the flavors a chance to mingle and taste even better!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once chilled, give your pasta salad a good stir. Before serving, sprinkle some extra chopped green onions on top and, if you like it spicy, add a dash of red pepper flakes. Serve it chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just ensure you cook it according to the package instructions for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cooked Chicken?
If you want to switch up the protein, shredded rotisserie chicken is an easy substitute. You can also use canned chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure any protein you use is shredded and well combined with the Buffalo sauce.
How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again, as it may need a refresh of ranch dressing or a splash of Buffalo sauce to liven it up!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator, and the flavors will deepen and meld together beautifully. Just be sure to stir it well before serving!
