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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy, spicy, and protein-packed twist on classic pasta salad. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or quick lunches, it combines buffalo chicken, tender pasta, crisp veggies, and cool dressing for a balanced, flavorful dish that’s both filling and refreshing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
  • 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce mild, medium, or hot
  • ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup celery finely chopped
  • ½ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup red onion chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  2. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. Make the Dressing:
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and ranch (or blue cheese dressing) until smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients:
  6. Add shredded chicken, celery, bell pepper, carrots, and onion. Mix until evenly coated.
  7. Add Pasta:
  8. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss everything together.
  9. Add Cheese & Garnish:
  10. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and garnish with parsley or green onions.
  11. Chill & Serve:
  12. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust spice by using more or less buffalo sauce.
  • Substitute ranch with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Add crunch with crushed tortilla chips or roasted chickpeas on top.
  • Great for meal prep — enjoy for lunch or as a side for grilled dishes.