Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad! I created this dish as a delicious twist on traditional buffalo wings, perfect for warm weather dining. This refreshing salad combines tender rotini pasta, succulent grilled chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all coated in a zesty buffalo sauce and creamy dressing. It's a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and cool, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a light dinner option. Enjoy the bold flavors while keeping cool and satisfied!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini pasta
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions, rinsed with cold water)
chicken strips
8 ounces (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
celery
3/4 cup (minced)
green pepper
1/2 cup (minced (can substitute with red, orange, or yellow pepper))
purple onion
1/2 cup (minced)
eggs
2 (hard boiled and chopped)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (low-fat preferred)
ranch dressing
1/2 cup (low-fat preferred)
buffalo wing sauce
1/4 cup (to taste)
vinegar
3 tablespoons (white or apple cider vinegar)
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Drain again to remove excess water.
2
While the pasta cooks, take the chicken strips and chop them into bite-sized pieces. For added flavor, you can use Southwest flavored chicken strips if you prefer.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, minced celery, green pepper, and purple onion. Feel free to add in any other vegetables you enjoy, such as peas, corn, or cucumbers.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, vinegar, garlic salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste until well combined.
5
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and chicken combination, and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad?
This dish is a refreshing twist on traditional buffalo wings, combining rotini pasta, grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables in a zesty buffalo and ranch dressing.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of rotini pasta, which is ideal for holding the creamy buffalo dressing.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, while the recipe suggests grilled chicken strips, you can use Southwest flavored chicken or even rotisserie chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
This salad includes minced celery, green pepper, and purple onion for a fresh crunch.
Can I customize the vegetables in the pasta salad?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables you enjoy, such as peas, corn, or cucumbers.
How do I make the buffalo dressing?
Whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, vinegar, garlic salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this pasta salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold pasta salad, intended to be served chilled, making it perfect for summer dining.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using low-fat mayonnaise and low-fat ranch dressing.
What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?
Any standard buffalo wing sauce will work; you can adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2 hard-boiled eggs that are chopped and mixed into the salad.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar based on your preference.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used to create this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
Yes, you can substitute green pepper with red, orange, or yellow peppers if you prefer a different flavor or color.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its bold flavors and chilled serving temperature make it an ideal choice for picnics and potlucks.
How do I prep the pasta for the salad?
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it in advance and letting it sit in the fridge helps the flavors develop more fully.
Is the recipe very spicy?
The recipe is designed to be zesty and spicy, but you can control the heat by adding buffalo sauce 'to taste'.
What is the primary protein in this salad?
The main protein is 8 ounces of chicken strips, complemented by hard-boiled eggs.
How do I ensure the dressing is evenly distributed?
Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated.
Can I use dried pepper instead of fresh?
Fresh ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor, though pre-ground pepper can be used in a pinch.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The recipe uses garlic salt to taste, so you can adjust based on your personal preference.
What gives the salad its creaminess?
The combination of mayonnaise and ranch dressing creates a rich, creamy base for the salad.
What is the preparation style for the onions and celery?
Both the celery and the purple onion should be finely minced before being added to the salad.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While rotini is suggested, other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli would also work well.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It can be served as a light dinner option or as a side dish for gatherings.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the salad fresh.
Does this recipe include any fruit?
No, this is a savory pasta salad focusing on spicy chicken and fresh vegetables.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you could omit the chicken or replace it with a meat substitute like chickpeas to create a vegetarian version.
How much pasta is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for exactly 8 ounces of dry rotini pasta.