Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Bold, zesty, and packed with flavor this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and crisp veggies are tossed in a creamy, tangy buffalo sauce with just the right kick of heat.
Ingredients
- For the Buffalo Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1/3 cup Buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- For the Pasta Salad
- 3 cups uncooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Dressing
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the hot sauce and melted butter. Add cooked chicken and toss well.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking ranch, mayo or yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine the cooled pasta with celery, carrots, green onions, and tomatoes.
- Add the Buffalo chicken and cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.