Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: A Perfect and Savory Recipe

Summer gatherings call for dishes that deliver big flavors without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the cooling crunch of fresh vegetables, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply wanting to meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe delivers on both convenience and taste.

What makes this pasta salad truly special isn’t just the bold buffalo flavor—it’s the thoughtful balance of textures and temperatures that make each bite interesting. The creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing provides a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, while fresh celery and carrots add that essential crunch that keeps things from feeling too heavy.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The secret to outstanding pasta salad lies in the details, and this recipe gets them right. Starting with a simple brine for the chicken transforms what could be ordinary protein into something genuinely flavorful and moist. Many home cooks skip this step, but spending just an hour brining your chicken thighs makes an enormous difference in the final result.

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts is another game-changer. Thighs remain juicy even when cooked to the proper internal temperature, and they hold up beautifully when mixed into the pasta salad. The slightly higher fat content means they won’t dry out, even if the salad sits for a while at your gathering.

The dressing itself strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy. By combining ranch dressing with Greek yogurt and buffalo sauce, you get the familiar flavors people love while adding protein and reducing some of the heaviness that can come with traditional mayo-based pasta salads.

Ingredients That Make the Difference

For the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne work beautifully)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, plus extra for brushing
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp avocado oil

For the Chicken Brine:

• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried dill

The beauty of this ingredient list is that most items are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store. Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also boosts the protein content, making this salad more satisfying as a main dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Brine

Start by dissolving the salt and sugar in warm water, then allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial—hot brine will actually start cooking your chicken, which isn’t what we want. Once cooled, combine the brine with minced garlic and dried dill in a sealed container. Add your chicken thighs and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This brief brining time infuses the meat with flavor and helps retain moisture during cooking.

Cooking the Components

While your chicken brines, cook your pasta according to package directions. The key here is to cook it just until al dente—remember, it will continue to soften slightly as it sits in the dressing. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process immediately.

For the buffalo dressing, whisk together the ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, salt, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust the buffalo sauce to your preference—some people love extra heat, while others prefer a milder version.

Cooking the Chicken Perfectly

Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry thoroughly. Season lightly with salt and garlic powder. Heat avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Here’s where the magic happens: brush the cooked chicken with additional buffalo sauce while it’s still hot. This creates a beautiful glaze and intensifies the buffalo flavor. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or chopping.

Assembling Your Pasta Salad

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Stir in the diced celery, sliced green onions, and grated carrots, making sure all the ingredients are well combined and fully covered in the dressing.

Now comes the decision: mix the chicken directly into the salad or serve it on top. Both approaches work well, but serving the chicken on top creates a more attractive presentation and allows people to customize their portions.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This pasta salad stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when kept in a sealed container. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining.

If you’re planning to serve this at a gathering, consider keeping the chicken separate until just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much moisture from the chicken and maintains the best texture.

Customization Options

The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to different dietary needs and preferences. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea pasta works particularly well, adding extra protein and fiber.

Don’t have chicken thighs on hand? Leftover grilled chicken breast works perfectly, though you might want to add a bit more buffalo sauce since it won’t have the benefit of the brine. Rotisserie chicken is another convenient option that saves time while still delivering great flavor.

For heat lovers, try different brands of buffalo sauce or add a dash of hot sauce directly to the dressing. Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but explore other options to find your perfect heat level.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad shines as both a side dish and a main course. As a side, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, corn on the cob, and other summer favorites. As a main dish, consider serving it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a natural conversation starter at any gathering. The combination of familiar buffalo chicken flavors in pasta salad form feels both comforting and exciting.

Why Your Guests Will Love This

What sets this buffalo chicken pasta salad apart from other potluck offerings is its perfect balance of familiar and exciting. Everyone knows and loves buffalo chicken, but presenting it in pasta salad form feels fresh and creative. The cooling elements—Greek yogurt, celery, and carrots—prevent the dish from being overwhelmingly spicy, making it accessible to a wide range of palates.

The substantial nature of this salad means it satisfies as more than just a side dish. Hungry guests will appreciate having something filling and flavorful that doesn’t require additional courses to feel satisfied.

This recipe represents the best of summer cooking: bold flavors, simple preparation, and the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this buffalo chicken pasta salad delivers on both convenience and taste, making it destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation.