Description

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and creamy salad that combines tender shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a zesty buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing blend. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or summer cookouts, this easy-to-make cold pasta salad boasts bold, spicy flavors balanced with cool, creamy elements and a cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne), cooled
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Garnish

Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Crumbled blue cheese for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating the flavorful base that will coat the salad ingredients.
Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooled cooked pasta, shredded chicken breast, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss the salad: Gently toss all ingredients until they are evenly and fully coated with the buffalo-ranch dressing, ensuring every bite delivers balanced flavor.
Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference, then give the salad a final gentle toss to distribute the seasoning.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly for best taste and texture.
Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled blue cheese if using. Serve cold or at room temperature for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Notes

This pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, cookouts, or game day celebrations.
Using rotisserie chicken can save preparation time and add extra flavor.
Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of buffalo wing sauce as desired.
For a lighter version, replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt without sacrificing creaminess.
Blue cheese garnish is optional but adds a rich, tangy contrast to the spicy buffalo flavors.