This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a celebration of the same flavors enjoyed in classic buffalo wings. Bow tie pasta is dressed with a creamy buttermilk and hot sauce dressing then mixed with rotisserie chicken and more. Chill thoroughly and enjoy alongside your favorite entrees for a kickin’ side dish experience.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad is a riff on wings that hit all of the same flavor points with the bonus of being super simple to make. I use bow tie pasta but you can adapt using a similar pasta that you enjoy. How to make simple Buffalo Chicken Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

Pasta – Cook the pasta in salted water per the instructions on the package until al dente.
Make Dressing – Whisk together the buttermilk dressing mix, mayonnaise, buttermilk and hot wing sauce. Add the diced vegetables and mix well.
Combine – Drain the pasta, then add to the bowl along with the chicken and chopped cilantro.
Season – Season with black pepper to your taste. Stir and chill for 10 minutes.
Add Bleu Cheese – Remove from the fridge and add the blue cheese crumbles. Return to fridge to chill for 6 hours or overnight.
Stir well and adjust the mayonnaise if needed, just before serving.

step-by-step images how to prepare pasta salad

How to Make the BEST Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: Bow tie pasta, rotisserie chicken, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dry Ranch salad dressing mix, celery, green onions, hot sauce, red bell pepper, bleu cheese crumbles and black pepper.
Kitchen tools you’ll need: Pasta pot, colander, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, large bowl, whisk and silicone spatula.
You can use any cooked chicken for this recipe in the same amount. You can use poached chicken, grilled chicken or roasted chicken.
You can adapt the amount of heat in this pasta salad by using a milder sauce or decrease the amount to suit your taste. When doing so, you can always serve it on the side so those who like more heat can add to suit their fancy.
Is it bleu cheese or blue cheese? The spelling depends solely upon the location it hails from. Neither is wrong, use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
Cook the bow tie pasta in salted water according to the package instruction until it’s al dente. Make a special effort not to overcook the pasta and it will maintain a slight bite in texture.
Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad well chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Salads Perfect for Summer Picnics and Tailgating

Salads tend to be easy to pack up and take to other venues for an event which no doubt makes them a popular choice. Other salads ideal for summer picnics and tailgating:

My Layered Penne Pasta Salad and Cheddar Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salads are potluck faves.
If you’re hosting a pizza party a Pizza Pasta Salad makes the perfect side.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad can be served as an entrée or a side dish.
Delicious Southern Potato Salad is a shoe-in for summer sides.
Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad can be served as a side dish or with tortilla chips for dipping.
Another bow tie pasta salad you may like is this Spinach Pasta Salad from Barefeet in the Kitchen.

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