Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad 🌶️🍝

This vibrant and zesty pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a fun weeknight dinner! With the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and creamy dressing, this dish is sure to be a hit. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and mellow red onion creates a delightful contrast in texture. Pair it with a cold beverage for a refreshing meal! 🥤

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 pound frozen cooked chicken strips, defrosted and diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup red onion, diced

For the dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup chunky blue cheese dressing
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the rotini and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Drain well in a colander.

🥄 To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking it. Al dente pasta will hold up better in the salad and provide the perfect bite.

2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, buffalo wing sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, bell peppers, and red onion to the bowl, tossing everything together until well coated.

4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

🧊 For a spicier kick, you can add extra buffalo wing sauce to taste. Alternatively, for a milder version, use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein for a satisfying meatless option.
• Creamy Avocado: Add diced avocado for a rich, creamy texture that complements the buffalo flavors perfectly.
• Pasta Choice: Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or farfalle for a fun twist!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish accommodating for those with dietary restrictions.

Enjoy your deliciously spicy buffalo chicken pasta salad! 🎉🥗