Description
A delightful blend of flavors and textures, this Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad features a creamy dressing paired with spicy buffalo sauce, making it a perfect dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (can use rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing, blending until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the buffalo sauce until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl, and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir before serving and garnish with additional green onions or cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- For a vegan option, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use a dairy-free ranch dressing.
- Consider adding corn or black beans for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Pasta Salad, Creamy Salad, Summer Salad, Picnic Food