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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 85 reviews

A delicious and creamy Buffalo chicken pasta salad featuring tender rotini pasta, juicy cooked chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy buffalo-ranch dressing. Perfect as a refreshing, spicy side or a hearty main dish for any gathering or meal.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

  • 16 oz rotini pasta
  • 3 cup cooked chicken, chopped

Vegetables

  • 0.5 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 0.75 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup grated carrot

Dressing

  • 0.75 cup buffalo sauce
  • 0.75 cup ranch dressing
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.75 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken: While the pasta is cooling, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the celery and green onions, chop the red bell pepper, and grate the carrots to get the fresh crunchy vegetables ready for the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined to create a creamy, spicy buffalo-ranch dressing.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, and prepared vegetables. Pour the buffalo dressing over the salad and gently toss with a large spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step helps the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the taste and texture of the creamy Buffalo chicken pasta salad.

Notes

  • Use cold water to rinse the pasta to stop cooking and maintain its firmness.
  • The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead or the night before for enhanced flavor.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on preferred spice level.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy preparation.
  • This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/buffalo-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe/