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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

A creamy, spicy pasta salad loaded with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and bold buffalo flavor. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or an easy crowd-pleasing meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
  • crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Equipment

  • large pot for cooking pasta
  • colander for draining pasta
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
  3. Add cooled pasta and shredded chicken to the bowl.
  4. Mix in celery, red onion, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
  5. Toss everything until evenly coated in the dressing.
  6. Top with green onions and optional blue cheese.
  7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Rinse pasta to cool and prevent sticking. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Adjust buffalo sauce to control spice level and chill at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Add extra dressing if needed before serving.