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Homemade EASY Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad photo

EASY Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This EASY Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is bursting with flavor! A creamy, zesty salad that's perfect for potlucks or quick dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 1 16-ounce package rotini pasta or similar pasta
  • 3 cups cooked chicken chopped small
  • 1/2 cup celery thinly sliced (1 stalk)
  • 1 red pepper chopped
  • 3/4 cup green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrot grated on large holes of cheese grater
  • 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater for carrots
  • Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While your pasta is cooking, chop the celery, red pepper, and green onions. Grate the carrot using the large holes of a cheese grater.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, sliced celery, red pepper, green onions, and grated carrot.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mayo, garlic powder, and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
  • Substitute whole grain pasta for added fiber.
  • Incorporate more veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.