Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad brings all the bold flavors you love from wings, tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, juicy chicken and folds them into a comforting cold pasta salad. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, game day spreads, or a quick weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and refreshing.

The crunch of celery and peppers balances the creaminess of ranch dressing, while the spicy buffalo kick keeps things exciting. This is a dish that walks the line between indulgent and practical, it’s quick to whip up, great for meal prepping, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or bowtie)
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: blue cheese crumbles for topping

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix well until chicken is evenly coated.
Add chopped celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
Fold in the cooled pasta, mixing until everything is evenly distributed and coated in the dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add blue cheese crumbles on top if desired.
Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that bridges the gap between hearty comfort food and fresh, summer-ready fare. If you love the bold, tangy kick of buffalo wings, the creamy coolness of ranch dressing, and the texture of al dente pasta, this recipe is calling your name. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a weekday meal prep, or just a lazy dinner at home, this salad delivers.

The great thing about this pasta salad is that it’s endlessly customizable. Want it spicier? Add more buffalo sauce. Prefer it milder? Cut the heat with extra ranch or use a mild buffalo wing sauce. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own to control the seasoning. Every bite gives you creamy, crunchy, spicy, and cheesy, all in one bowl.

The Flavors That Make It Shine

At the heart of this salad are a few standout ingredients that balance each other beautifully:

Buffalo Sauce: It brings that unmistakable vinegary heat that defines the dish. You can opt for a traditional hot buffalo sauce or go for something smokier or even sweet-and-spicy depending on your taste.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy, herby, and tangy, ranch not only mellows the heat but also brings all the flavors together in a luscious way.
Shredded Chicken: This provides the protein to keep you full, and when well mixed with the dressing, it soaks up every drop of flavor.
Pasta: A great base that holds the dressing and helps distribute all those goodies like veggies, cheese, and chicken. Rotini, bowties, or penne are especially good for holding sauce in their curves.
Crunchy Veggies: Celery and red bell peppers add the needed texture contrast and a splash of freshness.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese, take your pick depending on your preference for creamy vs. tangy.

The Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is that rare recipe that fits into so many categories. It can be:

A side dish: Perfect next to grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, hot dogs, or skewers at a summer cookout.
A main course: With chicken and pasta, this dish is filling enough to stand on its own, especially with a leafy green salad on the side.
A potluck contribution: This travels well and holds up over time, so it’s great for picnics, office parties, or family reunions.
A make-ahead meal: It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld.

Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ons

There’s plenty of room to play with this recipe and make it your own. Here are some variations and additions to consider:

Pasta Shape: Rotini and bowtie work great, but shells, penne, or elbow macaroni are also excellent choices.
Protein: Not into chicken? Try shredded turkey, cooked bacon crumbles, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
Dressing: Swap ranch for blue cheese dressing if you’re a fan of that strong tang. Or try a combo of ranch and sour cream for a thicker, richer flavor.
Spice Levels: If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount. Want more fire? Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños.
Veggies: Add shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even sweet corn for a more vibrant salad.
Greens: Toss the whole mixture over a bed of romaine or spinach to give it a more salad-like feel and boost the nutritional profile.
Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, top with crushed tortilla chips, crispy fried onions, or croutons for an extra textural pop.

Nutritional Benefits

While this is not a low-calorie dish, it can certainly be a balanced one. The chicken provides lean protein, especially if you’re using skinless breast meat. The pasta gives you complex carbohydrates and energy, and the veggies contribute fiber and micronutrients. If you’re mindful of your portions and the type of dressing you use, this salad can easily fit into a balanced eating plan.

For those watching macros, you can lighten the dish by using Greek yogurt-based ranch, whole wheat pasta, or additional veggies in place of some of the pasta. You can also boost the protein with hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of hemp seeds.

Serving Tips

Chill First: This salad tastes best cold, so be sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Toss Just Before Serving: If you’re adding toppings like tortilla strips or fried onions, do that last so they stay crisp.
Double the Batch: If you’re serving a crowd, this is an easy recipe to scale up. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Store Properly: This will keep well in the fridge in an airtight container for 3–4 days. It’s great for meal prep and quick grab-and-go lunches.

Kids and Picky Eaters

Worried about picky eaters or kids not enjoying the spice? Here are some simple fixes:

Mild Buffalo Sauce: Look for mild versions that deliver flavor without the intense heat.
Extra Ranch: Increase the amount of ranch or mix in some plain Greek yogurt to cool the salad down.
Cheese, Cheese, Cheese: Most kids love cheese, so sprinkle in a bit more cheddar to entice them.
Fun Pasta Shapes: Using fun-shaped pasta like bowties or wheels might make the dish more visually appealing to younger eaters.

Pairing Suggestions

Looking to serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad as part of a complete meal? Try these pairing ideas:

Sides: Garlic bread sticks, grilled corn on the cob, or a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing.
Drinks: Pair it with lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp lager. For wine, a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the spice well.
Desserts: Finish off your meal with something light like fruit salad or something rich like brownies or cheesecake for contrast.

Make It a Meal Prep Staple

If you’re meal prepping for the week, Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a winner. You can prepare it in large batches, store it in individual containers, and enjoy a ready-to-eat lunch or dinner anytime. It stays fresh and flavorful, and you can even serve it over a bed of greens or in a wrap for variety.

Use separate containers for toppings like crispy onions or chips if you want them to stay crunchy. A squeeze of fresh lemon or an extra drizzle of dressing right before eating can also bring the flavors back to life after a couple of days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a powerhouse dish that hits all the right notes, spicy, creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just whipping up a flavorful dish to keep in your fridge for easy meals, this recipe is here to make your life easier and tastier.

It’s simple enough for a beginner cook but flavorful enough to impress anyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences, dietary needs, and occasion. Once you try it, this might just become your new go-to pasta salad recipe.

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