Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad 

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This salad features tender rotini pasta, juicy shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying meal. Its bold flavors and satisfying textures are sure to delight your taste buds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini or fusilli pasta

• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded

• ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

• 1 cup celery, chopped

• 1 cup carrots, shredded

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup green onions, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, boil or bake the chicken breast until fully cooked. Allow it to cool and then shred it into bite sized pieces.

3. Mix Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped celery, shredded carrots, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions.

5. Add Dressing: Pour the ranch or blue cheese dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 379 kcal

• Protein: 14 g

• Carbohydrates: 35 g

• Fat: 21 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 40 mg

• Sodium: 1052 mg

• Dietary Fiber: 2 g

• Sugars: 3 g

• Vitamin C: 14 mg

• Calcium: 30 mg

• Iron: 1 mg