Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Busy weeknights just got easier with this buffalo chicken pasta salad that’s creamy, quick, and full of bold flavor. Made with rotisserie chicken, pasta, ranch seasoning, and a kick of buffalo sauce, it’s a simple recipe you can whip up in no time. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish!
If you are craving more delicious, creamy chicken salad recipes, don’t miss this viral Italian grinder chicken salad, this yummy avocado chicken salad, or this fall chicken salad with cranberries and bacon!
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this creamy buffalo chicken pasta salad:
For the salad
For the dressing
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Rotisserie chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken breast for this recipe for ease and convenience. However, for a bit more flavor, bake your chicken or cook it in the air fryer!
Buffalo sauce: We love Sweet Baby Ray’s that also comes in a mild version!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese, grated straight from the block, will ensure the very best taste and texture. You can also swap the cheese with pepper jack or even blue cheese crumbles!
Onions: Red onion is perfect in this salad, too.
Casey’s Tips
- Drain & cool pasta: Make sure you drain and cool the pasta completely. Any excess moisture (or heat) can really dilute the flavor of the dressing.
- Keep it creamy: If the pasta soaks up some dressing, stir in a spoonful of ranch or sour cream before serving to freshen it up. You can also save a bit of the dressing to freshen up leftovers.
- Storage: This salad is great stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
How to serve
This salad has chicken, veggies, and pasta so it really stands on it’s own as a meal! However, here are a few suggestions:
Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra dressing and rounding out the meal.
Extra veggies: This salad can be paired with corn on the cob or roasted/grilled veggies.
Meal prep: I meal prep this salad ALL THE TIME! It holds up great in the fridge for 4 days. When meal prepping, I will double the chicken for more protein.
Side dish: Omit the chicken and serve it as a delicious side dish! It’s divine with burgers and sliders!
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know your thoughts on this easy buffalo chicken pasta salad by leaving a star rating below or sharing it on Instagram!
Thank you! ~ Casey
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp. Ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
For the buffalo chicken pasta salad
- 16 oz. rotini pasta Use high-protein pasta such as Barilla for more protein!
- 2-4 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken I use 4, for higher-protein
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped 3-4 large stalks
- 1/2 cup green onion, sliced plus more to topping
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside to drain and cool completely.
- Make the dressing: While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside.
- Assemble the salad: To a large bowl, add cooled pasta, chicken, celery, green onion, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and pickles.
- Finish: Add most of the dressing and gently toss until everything is well-coated. Add fresh black pepper. This pasta salad is best served chilled. I like to hold back a bit of the dressing and add it right before I am ready to serve. Garnish with more sliced green onions.
I meal prep this chicken salad all the time-it’s a complete meal! Double the chicken for extra protein 🙂 Hope you love it! XO ~ Casey