Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious BBQ side dish this summer, this buffalo chicken pasta salad is the perfect way to switch things up! Bring it your next cookout, bonfire or outdoor party! This dish is a summertime staple for a reason – it’s easy to make, comes together quickly and is bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re a buffalo fanatic or simply love a good spicy kick, this creamy, tangy pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s completely customizable and can be made gluten free and dairy free! Load it up with fresh vegetables for a healthy crunch. This buffalo chicken pasta salad can be served cold or warm, making it perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, delicious dish that everyone will love. If you love pasta salad, I know you will also love my big mac pasta salad and chicken ranch pasta salad!

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

It’s easy to make!

This pasta salad is bursting with delicious flavor.

This recipe is perfect for your next summer BBQ or gathering.

It is packed with fresh veggies and protein.

This side dish can easily be made gluten free and dairy free.

It can be served both cold or warm!

This recipe is perfect for a cook out, bonfire or outdoor party.

Equipment Needed

All you need to make this pasta salad is a bowl and a pot.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta: I used gluten free pasta here because I am gluten free, but feel free to use regular pasta or protein pasta!

Chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein to this recipe! My favorite hack is using rotisserie chicken to make this process faster. If you are cooking chicken breasts, you can also use a mixer or hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring a burst of juicy freshness and a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the creamy dressing and the savory chicken.

Red Onion: Red onions have a sharper bite than other onions, which complements the creamy dressing and richness of the chicken.

Green Onion: Chopped green onion adds some freshness and crunch to this buffalo chicken pasta salad!

Carrots: Carrots bring a touch of natural sweetness that helps balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce and the richness of the dressing.

Peppers: I love adding bell peppers into this pasta salad too for some extra crunch, spice and freshness.

Celery: Celery adds a delicious crunch to this pasta salad.

Ranch: Ranch adds creaminess to this dish and balances out the spice from the buffalo sauce.

Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce is the star of this dish!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare pasta according to instructions on box.

Step 3: Combine pasta, chicken and vegetables in a bowl.

Step 4: Add buffalo sauce and ranch and stir. Enjoy!

Storage

Store this buffalo chicken pasta salad in the refrigerator for 4-5 days in an airtight container.

I would not recommend freezing this pasta salad.

Variations

Pasta: I used gluten free pasta for this buffalo chicken pasta salad because I am gluten free. Feel free to use regular pasta or protein pasta. You can also use fun pasta shapes!

Vegetables: I used red pepper, carrots, tomatoes, green onions, red onion and celery in this pasta salad. If you are looking to add additional vegetables try out jicama, sugar snap peas, grilled zucchini, summer squash, broccoli florets, corn or asparagus.

Sauces: I used dairy free ranch and buffalo sauce here. Feel free to use regular versions as well! You can also try out my homemade dairy free ranch dressing.

Chicken: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken here to make the process faster! I used shredded chicken but you can also use chopped chicken.

How to Serve

Buffalo chicken pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your preferences. Here are some ideas:

In a large platter: This is a great option for potlucks, cookouts or buffets. Pile the pasta salad high on a platter and garnish with additional chopped vegetables like celery, cheese crumbles or hot sauce for a visually appealing presentation.

Individual portions: For a more controlled serving size, portion the pasta salad into bowls or containers. This is a great option for meal prep lunches or quick dinners.

Alongside grilled foods: Buffalo chicken pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, burgers or fish. The creamy salad provides a cool and refreshing counterpoint to the smoky flavors of grilled food.

With BBQ classics: It can also be served alongside other BBQ staples like potato salad, baked beans or coleslaw for a well-rounded spread.

Cold: This is the most common way to serve buffalo chicken pasta salad. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side dish on a hot summer day.

Warm: For a comforting twist, you can serve the pasta salad slightly warm. This can be especially enjoyable in cooler weather.

Recipe FAQ

How long will this pasta salad last for?

This buffalo chicken pasta salad will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can this be meal prepped?

Yes, this pasta salad is great for meal prep!

Do I have to add chicken to it?

Feel free to omit the chicken if you do not want it!

Can you make this the night before?

Yes, you can make this pasta salad the night before.

Can you freeze this pasta salad?

I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad.

How do you keep gluten free pasta from sticking together?

Rinse the pasta before adding it to the pasta salad to keep it from sticking together!

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these fun summer recipe ideas next:

Mango Corn Salsa

Gluten Free Turkey Burgers

Summer Sausage Kabobs

Honey Cinnamon Baked Peaches

Gluten Free Chicken Wings

If you make this buffalo chicken pasta salad and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.