Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish – tangy, creamy, spicy, and loaded with protein. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, packing lunch, or just craving something bold and satisfying, this flavor-packed salad hits every note.
Servings 6
Calories 410kcal
Cost $10-$12
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta or any short pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast
- ½ cup buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup celery thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup green onions chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: crumbled blue cheese or ranch seasoning packet for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly.
- Prepare the chicken if not already cooked. You can pan-sear, grill, or use rotisserie chicken for ease. Once cooked, shred or chop it.
- Toss chicken with buffalo sauce in a small bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, buffalo chicken, celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Add ranch dressing and gently toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. It tastes best cold and after the flavors have melded.
Notes
1. Use Freshly Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds tons of flavor. 2. Chill Before Serving
Letting the salad rest helps the flavors blend beautifully and adds that refreshing touch. 3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Slightly al dente pasta holds up better when tossed with dressing and stored. 4. Customize It
Swap in blue cheese crumbles, add crispy bacon, or mix in chopped cucumbers for texture.
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds tons of flavor. 2. Chill Before Serving
Letting the salad rest helps the flavors blend beautifully and adds that refreshing touch. 3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Slightly al dente pasta holds up better when tossed with dressing and stored. 4. Customize It
Swap in blue cheese crumbles, add crispy bacon, or mix in chopped cucumbers for texture.