If you’re on the hunt for a crave-worthy dish that brings spicy, tangy joy to any picnic or potluck, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. Bright, bold, and brimming with flavor, it’s a zesty twist on the classic pasta salad—complete with tender chicken, fiery buffalo sauce, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing that tames the heat just enough. Whether you love game day snacks or need an exciting way to meal prep lunch, this crowds-pleaser is sure to earn you some culinary high-fives!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is both easy and exciting—each item on the list is there for a reason, lending its own pop of flavor, crunch, or creaminess. This dish is all about balance, so let’s break down why every element matters.

Cooked and shredded chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken saves time and soaks up flavor, making every bite juicy and satisfying.
Rotini or penne pasta (8 ounces): The nooks in these shapes grab onto the creamy, spicy dressing to deliver maximum flavor.
Buffalo wing sauce (¾ cup): This is where the bold, signature heat comes in—adjust to suit your spice level.
Ranch dressing (½ cup): This tames the heat and adds a cool, tangy note that complements the spice perfectly.
Sour cream (½ cup): Creamy and slightly tangy, it creates the velvety base for that irresistible dressing.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melt-in-your-mouth richness that ties the salad together and adds gorgeous color.
Celery stalks, diced (2): For essential crunch and a fresh, classic Buffalo wing vibe.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Sweet bursts of juicy color that brighten up the bowl.
Red onion, finely chopped (¼ cup): A gentle sharpness for depth and balance.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple, but crucial for enhancing all the other flavors.
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh and vibrant, these make the salad look as good as it tastes.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. Once cooked, give it a quick rinse under cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also keeps your pasta from sticking and ensures your salad is refreshingly cool—essential for this chilled Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Buffalo Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream until everything is smooth, thick, and ready to coat. This is where the magic happens—the spicy, creamy blend is the heartbeat of your salad.

Step 3: Combine the Good Stuff

Add the cooled pasta, cooked shredded chicken, celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cheddar cheese right into the bowl with your dressing. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure every single spiral of pasta and morsel of chicken gets a glorious coating of that vibrant sauce.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Now’s the time for a little kitchen creativity—grab a fork and taste a bite. Adjust with salt and black pepper as needed, or add a bit more buffalo sauce if you like extra heat. This step is where you make the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad your very own.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Cover your bowl and let the salad hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This not only helps the flavors meld but also makes the salad extra refreshing. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if you want that fresh pop of color (and a touch of wow-factor!).

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A handful of green onions or parsley sprinkled on top adds more than just beautiful color—they bring a burst of freshness to every bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, crumbled blue cheese or extra shredded cheddar takes your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad to the next level. Serve with a drizzle of buffalo sauce for extra flair!

Side Dishes

This zesty salad pairs beautifully with cool, crunchy sides. Try plating it up next to simple carrot and celery sticks, some homemade cornbread, or a platter of fresh watermelon for a contrast of flavors. For heartier meals, serve alongside grilled burgers or buffalo chicken sliders for the ultimate spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck or party, scoop Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad into lettuce cups or small mason jars for easy, portable servings. It also looks stunning mounded up on a big platter with extra garnishes and colorful veggies scattered around. Don’t forget those fun forks and napkins—this dish is meant to be enjoyed anywhere from picnic blankets to game day parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra salad to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep getting better as they hang out together, making leftovers a total treat for work lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Due to the creamy dressing and fresh veggies, freezing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad isn’t recommended—it’ll lose that irresistible texture and get watery upon thawing. If you need to prep ahead, you can freeze cooked chicken and pasta separately, then assemble fresh for best results.

Reheating

This pasta salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip the microwave! If you need to freshen it up after chilling, give it a quick stir and maybe a splash of extra buffalo sauce or ranch to reawaken those flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While rotini and penne are perfect for holding onto that creamy dressing, feel free to use bow ties, shells, or even elbow macaroni—just stick to short shapes that won’t fall apart.

Is there a way to make this salad less spicy?

Of course! Opt for a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount you mix into the dressing. You can also add a bit more sour cream or ranch to mellow things out without losing flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

You sure can! Bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, or shredded carrots are fantastic add-ins for even more crunch and color. Make it your own with whatever veggies you love best.

How far in advance can I make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad?

This salad is a fantastic make-ahead option. Mix it up the night before your event, let it chill overnight, and the flavors will be even more delicious by the time you serve.

Can I use leftover grilled or baked chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes! Any cooked chicken you have on hand will work beautifully. Just shred or chop it into bite-size pieces before tossing it in with the dressing and other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad as I am to share it! It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor at every bite. Whether you bring it to your next picnic, meal prep it for lunches, or whip it up for a game day crowd, this recipe is sure to make you a pasta salad superstar. Dig in and enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a zesty and satisfying dish perfect for picnics or quick weeknight meals. Tender rotini or penne pasta, shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and juicy cherry tomatoes are coated in a creamy blend of buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream. Topped with cheddar cheese and optional green onions or parsley, this salad is a flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (can use rotisserie)
8 ounces rotini or penne pasta

Dressing:

¾ cup buffalo wing sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup sour cream

Add-Ins:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 celery stalks (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream until smooth.
Combine ingredients: Add pasta, shredded chicken, celery, tomatoes, red onion, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss to coat with the dressing.
Season and chill: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.