If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and perfectly refreshing for a summer meal or game day spread, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is it! It’s got the kick of buffalo wings, the coolness of ranch, and the heartiness of pasta all tossed into one bowl. It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast at potlucks and family gatherings; you might want to double the batch!
This easy pasta salad uses rotisserie chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy buffalo ranch dressing that ties everything together beautifully. You can serve it chilled or slightly cool; either way, it’s bursting with bold flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple: Only 15 minutes of prep time.
- Perfect for parties: A crowd pleasing salad that fits any occasion.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level.
- Make ahead friendly: Stays fresh and flavorful after chilling.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces bowtie pasta
- ½ cup light ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional but delicious!)
Instructions
1Cook the pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
2Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce.
3Toss everything together: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, celery, green onion, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir well to coat.
4Mix in the pasta: Once cooled, add the pasta to the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving. Stir again right before eating.
6Optional garnish: Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles for that classic buffalo flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt ranch or low fat dressing.
- Extra crunch: Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.
- More heat: Mix in a few drops of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Make it ahead: Prepare up to a day in advance; just give it a stir before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Perfect Pairings
Serve this pasta salad alongside grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, or crispy chicken wings for the ultimate party spread. It also makes a great lunch on its own!
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a bold twist on classic pasta salad; spicy, creamy, and addictively good. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, packing a picnic, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 10 ounces bowtie pasta
- ½ cup light ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo sauce store bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken chopped
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Add the mix ins: Toss in chopped rotisserie chicken, diced celery, green onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and mix until every piece is coated in the creamy buffalo ranch mixture.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15–20 minutes before serving. Stir again and top with crumbled blue cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt ranch or low fat dressing.
- Add extra crunch with diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.
- For more heat, mix in a few drops of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
