This Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun dish that brings together pasta, spicy buffalo chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic!
I love how the spicy flavor gives this salad a kick! Plus, you can throw it together in no time, leaving you with more moments to enjoy. Who doesn’t love a colorful bowl of goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds onto sauce well, making it perfect for pasta salad. If you don’t have rotini, try farfalle, penne, or fusilli as tasty alternatives!
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it saves time! You can also use leftover grilled chicken or canned chicken in a pinch.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. If you’re looking for a milder option, try a barbecue sauce with a splash of hot sauce instead.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Crumbly and rich, blue cheese adds great flavor. If you prefer something different, feta or cheddar works nicely too!
Mayonnaise: This is optional for creaminess. If you want a healthier spin, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It adds creaminess and protein!
How Do I Properly Cook Pasta for Salad?
Cooking the pasta just right is essential for a pasta salad. You want it firm but not hard. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Cook according to the package’s time but check a minute or two early. You want “al dente,” which means it still has a slight bite.
- Once done, drain the pasta and quickly rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool the pasta for the salad.
Following these steps will prevent mushy pasta in your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Altogether, you’ll spend about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick meal or a tasty side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will help prevent it from sticking together later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Mix it well so that all the chicken is coated in that delicious, spicy sauce. The more you mix, the more flavorful each bite will be!
3. Add the Veggies and Pasta:
Next, add the cooled rotini pasta, diced celery, shredded carrots, blue cheese crumbles, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the chicken. These ingredients will add crunch and freshness to your salad.
4. Mix in the Creaminess:
If you’re looking for a creamier texture, now’s the time to stir in the optional mayonnaise. This will mellow out the spice from the buffalo sauce, but it’s totally up to your preference! Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss it All Together:
Gently toss everything together using a spatula or a large spoon. You want to make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed and coated in the buffalo sauce—yum!
6. Chill and Serve:
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together nicely. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss again and garnish with extra green onions or blue cheese, if desired. Enjoy your tasty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad cold!
Can I Use Rotini Pasta Substitutes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have rotini, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just ensure the pasta you choose is a similar size for consistent cooking time.
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it for crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for a milder flavor. You can also skip the cheese altogether if you’d prefer to keep it dairy-free.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is great for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it a day in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it seems dry the next day, just add a splash of buffalo sauce or a bit more mayonnaise to revive it before serving.
