Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This creamy and tangy Buffalo chicken pasta salad is a perfect dish for any occasion. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it will surely be a hit at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package dry rotini pasta
• 1 cup chunky blue cheese dressing
• cup mayonnaise
• cup Buffalo wing sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound frozen cooked chicken strips, defrosted and diced
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• cup red bell pepper, diced
• cup green bell pepper, diced

Directions

1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and stir. Return the water to a boil and cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but firm to the bite.
2. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blue cheese dressing, mayonnaise, Buffalo wing sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
4. Add the diced chicken, red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and the cooked rotini pasta to the bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Once chilled, serve the pasta salad cold and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	379	-
Total Fat	21g	27%
Saturated Fat	4g	19%
Cholesterol	40mg	13%
Sodium	1052mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	13%
Dietary Fiber	2g	6%
Total Sugars	3g	-
Protein	14g	27%
Vitamin C	14mg	16%
Calcium	30mg	2%
Iron	1mg	8%
Potassium	139mg	3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Recipe Summary: Pasta, bell peppers, onion, and grilled chicken are tossed in a spicy mayo, blue cheese, and wing sauce dressing. This is a pasta salad for Buffalo wing lovers.

History and Origin of Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

The Buffalo chicken pasta salad is a modern American dish that blends the fiery flavors of Buffalo wings with the comforting textures of pasta salad. The origins of this dish are closely tied to the rise of Buffalo wings in the United States. Buffalo wings were invented in the 1960s in Buffalo, New York, at the Anchor Bar. The combination of spicy wing sauce and blue cheese dressing became iconic, and over time, the flavors of Buffalo wings inspired various fusion dishes, including the Buffalo chicken pasta salad. This dish took off as a popular summer side or potluck offering, allowing people to enjoy the bold flavors of Buffalo wings in a more casual and shareable form.

Regional Variations

The Buffalo chicken pasta salad has become a popular dish across the United States, with slight variations depending on regional preferences. For example, in areas where the love for Buffalo wings is most prominentsuch as Buffalo, New Yorkthe salad may be made with an extra kick of hot sauce, or the blue cheese may be replaced with a creamy ranch dressing. In the South, people may add ingredients like smoked paprika, bacon, or even sweet corn to create a slightly different flavor profile. Some versions may use grilled chicken instead of the typical frozen chicken strips for a fresher, smokier taste. No matter where it's made, the salad maintains the balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy that makes Buffalo wings so irresistible.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Buffalo chicken pasta salad stands out from other pasta salads due to its bold, spicy flavor. While traditional pasta salads often feature mayonnaise-based dressings with mild ingredients like cucumbers, carrots, or olives, Buffalo chicken pasta salad incorporates the heat of Buffalo sauce and the creamy richness of blue cheese dressing. The result is a pasta salad that has a spicier, more savory profile compared to typical pasta salads that might rely on tangy dressings like Italian or ranch. Additionally, the inclusion of grilled or roasted chicken gives it a heartier protein element, setting it apart from lighter, vegetable-based pasta salads.

Where is Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Typically Served?

Buffalo chicken pasta salad is a perfect dish for casual gatherings, barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. Its bold flavor makes it an excellent side dish to complement grilled meats such as burgers, chicken wings, or ribs. It's also frequently served at sporting events, especially during tailgate parties, where it pairs wonderfully with beers and finger foods. Due to its filling nature, it can also serve as a main course during a light summer lunch or dinner. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing taste make it a favorite choice for a variety of occasions.

Interesting Facts About Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

• Buffalo wings, which inspired this pasta salad, were initially created by accident when the Anchor Bar's owner deep-fried leftover chicken wings and doused them in hot sauce to create a quick snack for her son and his friends.
• Buffalo chicken pasta salad is often made with Frank's RedHot sauce, which is the brand widely credited with being the key ingredient in authentic Buffalo wing sauce. This sauce is tangier and less vinegary than typical hot sauces, giving the salad its distinctive flavor.
• Many people like to personalize their Buffalo chicken pasta salad by adding extra ingredients such as celery, tomatoes, or even avocado, which adds a creamy texture and balances the heat of the sauce.
• The dish has grown in popularity due to its easy preparation and ability to be made ahead of time. It's perfect for making in large batches for big gatherings or as a meal prep option for the week.

FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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