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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing

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A quick and flavorful buffalo chicken pasta salad combining spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • ½ cup creamy ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well for about 10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, shred or chop 2 cups of cooked chicken. Place chicken in a medium bowl and toss with ½ cup buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes to soak up flavor. Add more buffalo sauce if a spicier taste is desired.
  3. If making homemade ranch dressing, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like dill and parsley), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust thickness with more buttermilk if needed. Alternatively, use store-bought ranch.
  4. Dice 1 celery stalk and thinly slice 2 green onions.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, buffalo chicken mixture, diced celery, sliced green onions, and shredded cheese if using. Pour in ranch dressing and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Gently toss until well coated.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. For best flavor, prepare a few hours ahead or the night before.
  7. Before serving, gently stir the salad and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool. Coat chicken in buffalo sauce before mixing with pasta for even flavor. Homemade ranch dressing improves freshness and flavor. Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spiciness. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. If salad thickens in fridge, stir in a splash of milk or extra ranch to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta salad, creamy ranch dressing, easy pasta salad, buffalo sauce recipe, quick dinner, rotisserie chicken salad

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/buffalo-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-ranch-dressing/