Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is an energetic and flavorful dish that mixes tender rotini pasta with juicy chicken and tangy buffalo sauce creating a perfect twist on classic potluck salads. This creamy and spicy salad is fantastic for casual get-togethers, picnics, or cozy dinners at home. Quick to assemble and easy to personalize, it’s always a hit that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Three boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 pounds providing lean protein and juicy chunks
• Rotini pasta: Eight ounces rotini pasta whose twists hold on to the sauce beautifully for each bite
• Buffalo sauce: One cup buffalo sauce bringing that classic spicy tang which defines the dish
• Ranch dressing: Half a cup ranch dressing adds cool creaminess to soften the heat and deepen flavor
• Sour cream: Half a cup sour cream rounds out the sauce for richness and smooth texture
• Celery: Two celery sticks finely chopped for crunch and freshness
• Green onions: Four green onions sliced giving a mild sharpness and color contrast

When choosing chicken, pick breasts that are plump and pale pink with no odor. For buffalo sauce, pick a quality hot sauce with vinegar notes for authentic zing. Fresh celery and green onions add the best crunch and brightness so don’t substitute with dried or canned.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water and add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions about 8 to 10 minutes until just tender but with a little bite. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it completely allowing it to hold its shape in the salad.

Cook the Chicken:

Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked through and juices run clear. After cooking, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces to retain juiciness.

Mix the Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl combine buffalo sauce ranch dressing and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until completely smooth and creamy forming the flavorful base of the salad.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the cooled pasta chopped chicken diced celery sticks and sliced green onions into the sauce bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with buffalo ranch sauce creating a harmonious blend.

Chill:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting step lets all the flavors meld beautifully and allows the pasta to soak up the spicy sauce for a more satisfying taste.

Serve:

When ready to serve transfer the salad into bowls or platters and garnish with some extra green onions for a fresh pop of color and added bite.

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Storage Tips

Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to three days. Avoid freezing as the creamy sauce and celery can lose texture and water content upon thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a milder version swap buffalo sauce with wing sauce or a hot BBQ sauce for different flavor notes. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream to add a tangy protein boost and lighten the dish. Try diced bell peppers or shredded carrots if you want to increase the veggie content.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled alongside crispy celery sticks or tortilla chips for dipping. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to make it a full meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra color and fragrance.

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Cultural Context

Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo New York and is known for its spicy vinegar base usually paired with chicken wings. This recipe creatively adapts the bold flavors into a pasta salad format which has become popular at American cookouts and potlucks as a zesty alternative to traditional creamy pasta salads.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Rotini is used for its spiral shape, which holds the creamy sauce well, but other short pastas like penne or fusilli can be substituted.

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?

Cook chicken breasts over medium heat without rushing. Let them rest after cooking before chopping to keep juices locked in.

→ Can the spicy level be adjusted?

Yes, adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce or mixing with extra sour cream and ranch dressing can either mellow or enhance the heat.

→ Is it better served chilled or at room temperature?

Chilling for at least an hour allows flavors to meld, but it can also be enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.

→ What fresh ingredients add texture to this dish?

Finely chopped celery and sliced green onions provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy and spicy components.