This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic dish! It features pasta, tender chicken, and a zesty buffalo sauce that gives it a nice kick!
You can toss in some crunchy veggies for extra flavor and texture. It’s perfect for picnics or as a hearty lunch. Who doesn’t love a little spice in their life? 🌶️
I love making a big batch, so I have it ready for lunch all week. The flavors blend together beautifully, and it’s so easy to whip up. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds the dressing nicely, but if you don’t have rotini, you could use penne or fusilli. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose is sturdy enough to mix with other ingredients.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is key here. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or tofu for a similar texture.
Buffalo Sauce: The heart of the dish is buffalo sauce. If you like it mild, start with less and taste as you go. For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with melted butter. You could also try a barbecue sauce if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess with a protein boost. If you don’t have it, sour cream is a fine alternative. For a lighter version, you could use a yogurt alternative or skip it altogether for less creaminess.
Celery and Carrots: These veggies add crunch. If you’re not fond of them, chopped bell peppers or cucumbers could be fun alternatives. They still give a nice bite and freshness!
How Do I Get My Pasta Salad Well-Mixed?
Getting everything nicely combined in a pasta salad can be tricky, but here’s how to do it:
- First, cook the rotini according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it from becoming mushy.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the buffalo sauce and make sure it’s evenly coated before adding any other ingredients.
- Combine your creamy dressing ingredients in another bowl. Mix them well so all the flavors meld together nicely.
- Once your pasta is cooled, add it to the dressing bowl and toss to coat all the pasta evenly. Don’t rush this part; it’s key to flavor!
- Finally, fold in the buffalo chicken gently. This way, you avoid breaking up the chicken too much and keep the texture nice.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. If it needs something, a dash of salt or more buffalo sauce can really bring it together!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup carrots, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare if you have your chicken cooked ahead of time. If not, add 15 more minutes to cook the chicken. You can serve it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions for timing and boiling. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. This will give your salad that delicious, spicy flavor!
3. Making the Dressing:
In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped celery, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are nicely blended together.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the dressing mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the dressing. This is where all the flavors start to come together!
5. Adding the Buffalo Chicken:
Now, gently fold in the buffalo chicken mixture into the pasta salad. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the salad, so every bite is full of flavor.
6. Final Touches:
Give your salad a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or buffalo sauce if you want it spicier. If you like, you can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
7. Serve or Chill:
Serve the pasta salad immediately, garnished with extra chopped green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Or, if you prefer, cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente and cooled down before adding it to the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works perfectly as a substitute. You can also use regular yogurt, but the texture and creaminess may be slightly different. For a non-dairy option, consider using a plant-based yogurt!
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it a delicious option for lunch! Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make this salad ahead of time. It’s best if you allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. For optimal freshness, consider adding the buffalo sauce to the chicken last minute if you prefer a stronger flavor when serving.
