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creamy buffalo chicken pasta salad with rotini and celery
platehacks

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Spicy Dressing

This buffalo chicken pasta salad combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy buffalo dressing. It’s a bold, satisfying dish perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or quick lunches, delivering a balance of heat, creaminess, and fresh crunch in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  3. Add the cooled pasta and shredded chicken to the bowl with the dressing.
  4. Add celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning or buffalo sauce as desired.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Use cold pasta to keep the dressing creamy. Rotisserie chicken saves time and boosts flavor. Dice vegetables finely for better texture. Adjust buffalo sauce to control spice level. Chill before serving for best flavor and stir before serving to refresh the texture.