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

Description

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy blue cheese dressing with just the right amount of heat from hot sauce. It’s the perfect combination of hearty and fresh, making it a fantastic option for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

8 ounces fusilli pasta (dry/uncooked)

Protein

3 packed cups shredded chicken (12 ounces)

Vegetables

1 cup shredded carrots (95 grams)
1 cup diced celery (120 grams)
1 cup diced bell pepper (130 grams)

Dressing & Flavorings

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

Optional Toppings

Green onions
Extra hot sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the fusilli according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
Prep the Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Shred the carrots, dice the celery, and bell pepper. Roughly chop the dill and parsley for later use.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, shredded chicken, prepared vegetables, blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles, and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Fresh Herbs and Adjust Flavor
Stir in the chopped dill, parsley, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy this flavorful salad.

Notes

For the best flavor, use homemade blue cheese dressing or a high-quality store-bought option.
This salad can be made ahead of time—consider chilling it for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Add more hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 230
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg