Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering fusion of zesty buffalo chicken and creamy pasta that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds! This isn't just another boring pasta salad – it's a flavor explosion that combines the kick of buffalo sauce, the coolness of ranch, and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping potluck dish or a quick weeknight meal that packs a punch, this Devilish Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked pasta, 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, 1 cup of diced celery, 1/2 cup of sliced green onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the buffalo chicken mixture. Gently fold the pasta into the chicken until evenly combined.
- Next, add the diced celery and sliced green onions to the pasta and chicken mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the vegetables.
- Pour in the ranch dressing and mix until all ingredients are well coated. Adjust the amount of ranch dressing to your preference for creaminess.
- Finally, add the shredded cheese to the salad and fold it in gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more buffalo sauce for extra heat or more ranch dressing for creaminess.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, give the salad a good stir before serving. Serve it cold as a delicious side dish or a hearty main course.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, use rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken breasts that are still warm when shredding.
- Cook your pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
- Make this dish ahead of time – it actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to intensify!
- If you want to make it lighter, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the ranch dressing.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
