Description
A bold and tangy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad that combines the flavors of buffalo chicken with the comfort of pasta salad. Perfect for busy families and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound penne or rotini pasta
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Additional blue cheese crumbles (optional garnish)
- Buffalo sauce drizzle (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on one side, flip, and cook until fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes more. Remove and let cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dice celery, chop red onion, slice green onions, and halve cherry tomatoes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked chicken, vegetables, and buffalo dressing. Toss gently to combine. Fold in blue cheese if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning and garnish as desired.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes better after chilling. Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg