Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli works brilliantly because of how it captures the dressing, any short pasta shape like rotini, farfalle, or penne will work well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they won't provide the same easy eating experience.

How spicy is this pasta salad?

With ¼ cup of hot sauce, it has a moderate heat level that most people find enjoyable. The blue cheese dressing helps temper the spiciness. You can easily adjust by reducing the hot sauce for a milder version or increasing it for true heat lovers.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

This is an ideal make-ahead dish! The flavors actually improve as they sit together in the refrigerator. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though you might want to add a little extra dressing just before serving if it seems dry, as the pasta absorbs moisture over time.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Replace the blue cheese dressing with a dairy-free ranch or buffalo sauce-based dressing. For the blue cheese crumbles, either omit them entirely or use a dairy-free feta alternative if you want to maintain that tangy element.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces fusilli pasta (dry/uncooked); 3 packed cups shredded chicken (12 ounces); 1 cup shredded carrots (95 grams); 1 cup diced celery (120 grams); 1 cup diced bell pepper (130 grams); 3/4 cup blue cheese dressing; 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (2 ounces); 1/4 cup hot sauce; 1/4 cup dill, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Green onions; Extra hot sauce

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and satisfying—bringing together all the beloved flavors of buffalo wings in a refreshing pasta salad format. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal meal prep option that actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Cook Protein Option: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to make this even quicker—perfect for those nights when you can’t face turning on the stove again.
Make-Ahead Marvel: This salad actually improves with time in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing for gatherings ahead of time.
Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar buffalo chicken flavor profile appeals to most palates, while still feeling more sophisticated than standard buffalo wings.
Balanced Meal: Contains protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one dish—no need to worry about side dishes unless you want to add something extra.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fusilli pasta: The spiral shape captures the dressing beautifully. The twists and crevices hold onto all that delicious sauce.
Shredded chicken: Provides the protein backbone of the dish. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time.
Carrots: Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast. They also help balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
Celery: Delivers the classic buffalo wing sidekick flavor and essential crunch factor.
Bell pepper: Brings freshness, crunch, and a pop of color. Red, orange, or yellow varieties work best for visual appeal.
Blue cheese dressing: Creates the creamy base that ties everything together. Homemade gives the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
Blue cheese crumbles: Adds pockets of tangy, sharp flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Hot sauce: The signature buffalo flavor! Frank’s RedHot is traditional, but use your favorite.
Fresh herbs (dill and parsley): Brightens the whole dish with fresh, vibrant notes that cut through the richness.
Lemon juice: Adds a crucial acidic balance to the creamy dressing and wakes up all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Lighter Version

Substitute Greek yogurt for half the blue cheese dressing and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Vegetarian Option

Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas tossed in buffalo sauce or cubed extra-firm tofu marinated in buffalo sauce.

Spice Level Adjustments

For milder palates, reduce the hot sauce and increase the blue cheese dressing. For heat lovers, add extra hot sauce or mix in diced jalapeños.

Ranch Lover’s Variation

Substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese if you’re not a blue cheese fan – still delicious!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain well and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prep While Pasta Cooks

While waiting for the water to boil and pasta to cook, make the most of your time by prepping the vegetables. Shred the carrots, dice the celery and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces, and roughly chop the fresh herbs.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, prepared vegetables, blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles, and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Mix and Finish

Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with dressing. Add the chopped dill, parsley, and lemon juice, then toss again to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with optional garnishes like sliced green onions or an extra drizzle of hot sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook Pasta Properly: Slightly undercook the pasta (more al dente than you might normally prefer) since it will continue to absorb dressing as it sits.
Season the Pasta Water: Don’t skip salting the pasta water—it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out.
Ingredient Prep: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for the best eating experience—nobody wants a giant chunk of celery with tiny bits of carrot.
Dressing Control: Start with slightly less dressing than called for, then add more to achieve your preferred consistency. The pasta will absorb some moisture as it sits.
Make it Your Own: This recipe is incredibly forgiving—adjust the ratio of vegetables to pasta to chicken based on your preferences.

How to Serve

Main Dish

Serve in a large bowl with extra hot sauce and blue cheese crumbles on the side for people to adjust to their taste.

Side Dish

Pair with grilled corn on the cob or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

For Gatherings

Serve in a hollowed-out round bread loaf for an impressive presentation at potlucks or picnics.

Lunch Option

Pack in individual containers with some additional fresh greens on top for a satisfying work lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day of melding together!

Preparing in Advance

This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. If preparing that far ahead, consider reserving half the dressing to add just before serving to refresh the consistency.

Freezing

This pasta salad doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Refreshing Leftovers

If the pasta salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of blue cheese dressing or even a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice to revive it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli works brilliantly because of how it captures the dressing, any short pasta shape like rotini, farfalle, or penne will work well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they won’t provide the same easy eating experience.
How spicy is this pasta salad?

With ¼ cup of hot sauce, it has a moderate heat level that most people find enjoyable. The blue cheese dressing helps temper the spiciness. You can easily adjust by reducing the hot sauce for a milder version or increasing it for true heat lovers.
Can I make this ahead for a party?

This is an ideal make-ahead dish! The flavors actually improve as they sit together in the refrigerator. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though you might want to add a little extra dressing just before serving if it seems dry, as the pasta absorbs moisture over time.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Replace the blue cheese dressing with a dairy-free ranch or buffalo sauce-based dressing. For the blue cheese crumbles, either omit them entirely or use a dairy-free feta alternative if you want to maintain that tangy element.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad brings all the beloved flavors of buffalo wings to your table in a more portable, less messy format. It’s perfectly balanced with protein, veggies, and those crave-worthy buffalo flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead, feeding a crowd, or just looking for something different for dinner tonight, this pasta salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try—I bet it becomes a regular in your recipe rotation!