Enjoy this Buffalo Ranch Pasta Salad as a side at your next barbecue, or make it the star of your work week lunch by adding chicken.

Buffalo Ranch Pasta Salad - A flavor-packed side dish that's a total crowd pleaser! | foxeslovelemons.com

This Ranch Pasta Salad will be the potluck winner

When it comes to creating a standout Ranch Pasta Salad that will be THE most talked about dish at your next summer potluck, it’s not just about tossing ingredients together.

It’s about understanding how to balance different flavors, which is why the tangy ranch dressing flavors in this recipe are balanced by the bold kick of buffalo sauce.

And unlike many ranch pasta salads, this one actually isn’t creamy. It stays firmly in the “light and tangy” camp, which means it won’t weigh you down on a hot day, but it’s still perfect to pair with burgers and hot dogs or just about anything else!

Why you’ll love this Buffalo Ranch Pasta Salad

  • Enjoy this versatile dish as a side at your next barbecue, or make it the star of your work week lunch by adding chicken.
  • You can adjust the heat level to suit your preference by adding more or less buffalo sauce, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.

Buffalo Pasta Salad Ingredients

  • pasta – the base of the ranch pasta salad. I’ve used rotini here, but any short shape that you like will work.
  • buffalo sauce – this infuses the pasta with its signature buffalo taste. I use Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce (cayenne pepper sauce).
  • olive oil – coats the pasta to add richness.
  • ranch seasoning mix – this adds the herbs and spices that creates the classic ranch profile. I use a packet of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning, Salad Dressing and Recipe Mix.
  • celery – contributes a crunchy texture and subtle flavor.
  • carrots – provides sweetness and color.
  • bell pepper – adds a crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor that complements the tanginess of the buffalo sauce.
  • chicken – this is an optional addition for added protein. If you want to add chicken, I suggest about 2 cups of shredded or chopped cooked chicken. I would use a rotisserie chicken for this!

How to Make Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

  1. PASTA. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse it with cold water, then drain it again.
  2. DRESSING. In a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, olive oil and ranch mix.
  3. TOSS. Add the celery, carrots, green pepper and pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Buffalo Ranch Pasta Salad - A flavor-packed side dish that's a total crowd pleaser! | foxeslovelemons.com

Variations for this Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

  • AVOCADO – add diced avocado for creaminess and texture.
  • CHEESE – add crumbled blue cheese or feta to complement the buffalo flavor in this ranch pasta salad recipe.
  • CUCUMBER – add a handful of diced cucumber for extra crunch.

Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Home Chef Tips

  • Allow the chicken ranch pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
  • To make a creamy dressing, use mayonnaise in place of the olive oil.

‌How to serve Buffalo Pasta Salad

Buffalo pasta salad makes a delicious side dish for any occasion. Some of my favorite main dishes to serve it with are:

How to store Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo ranch pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving.

‌Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad FAQs

Should I rinse pasta for cold pasta salad?

Yes, rinsing pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. It also removes excess starch, preventing the noodles from sticking together.

What is the best pasta shape for pasta salad?

The best shapes for pasta salad are short shapes with nooks and crannies to catch dressing. Rotini, penne, farfalle (bowtie) and fusilli are all excellent choices.

Why does my pasta salad get dry?

Pasta salad can become too dry if it’s not dressed with enough dressing, or if it’s not stored in an airtight container.

Buffalo Ranch Pasta Salad - A flavor-packed side dish that's a total crowd pleaser! | foxeslovelemons.com

Buffalo Pasta Salad

Enjoy this Buffalo Ranch Pasta Salad as a side at your next barbecue, or make it the star of your work week lunch by adding chicken.
5 from 1 rating

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce cayenne pepper sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 packet ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix 1 ounce
  • 4 celery stalks thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
  • Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, olive oil and ranch mix.
  • Add celery, carrots, green pepper and pasta to bowl with buffalo sauce mixture; toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Allow the chicken ranch pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
  • To make a creamy dressing, use mayonnaise in place of the olive oil.
Calories: 237kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 738mg, Potassium: 175mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 2612IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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