If you’re craving something zesty, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, you’re going to love this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect dish to bring some spice and freshness to your table—whether for a picnic, potluck, or just a fun lunch at home.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with orange-colored rotini pasta covered in a creamy sauce. The pasta is mixed with small yellow corn pieces and green chopped herbs scattered on top. There are also small white cheese crumbles spread over the dish, with some green herbs sprinkled on the cheese. A spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, and the background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred hint of another dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of how this salad balances spicy buffalo sauce with cooling avocado and tangy blue cheese. Every bite feels like a party for your taste buds, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull together!

Bold Flavor Mashup: The spicy buffalo and creamy cheese combo makes every forkful exciting.
Fresh & Hearty: Roasted corn, crisp celery, and shredded chicken add amazing texture and substance.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 50 minutes, with simple stove-top steps—and perfect for batch prep.
Great for Gatherings: Serves 6 and holds up well refrigerated, so it’s party and lunchbox-friendly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad really shine, I like to focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients that bring layers of texture and flavor. When shopping, look for ripe avocados and fresh corn on the cob—it makes a difference!

Flat lay of two ears of fresh corn on the cob, kernels bright yellow and glossy, a small pile of cooked shredded chicken with natural texture, half a ripe avocado cut into neat cubes with vibrant green flesh, a handful of sliced green onions with crisp white and green parts, a small mound of crumbled blue cheese in creamy white and blue hues, diced celery pieces fresh and pale green, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth orange-red buffalo sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine white sugar granules, and a heap of al dente rotini pasta with a pale yellow hue, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Corn on the cob: Fresh corn gives a sweet, slightly smoky note after sautéing that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo sauce.
Chicken (cooked and shredded): Using pre-cooked chicken, whether grilled or rotisserie, adds tender, protein-packed goodness.
Celery (diced): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess and spice.
Green onions (sliced): Bring a mild onion flavor with a pop of green color for freshness.
Avocado (cubed): Creamy and cooling to mellow out the heat and add richness.
Pasta: A sturdy base that soaks up the sauce and holds the mix together without getting mushy.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—adds savory heat and tang.
Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and helps bind the salad ingredients.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the spicy and tangy notes.
Blue cheese (crumbled): Adds sharp, tangy depth that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is wonderfully versatile—feel free to tweak it to match your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you want to dial up the heat or add a splash of freshness, it’s all about making this spicy, creamy salad your own.

Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer it milder, try cutting the buffalo sauce in half or swapping it for a milder wing sauce. I often do this when sharing with family members who don’t love a lot of heat.
Protein Swap: For a twist, grilled or roasted chicken adds a smoky depth. I’ve also made this with rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut that’s perfect on busy days.
Go Gluten-Free: Simply choose your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe friendly for all guests without losing any of the deliciousness.
Fresh Add-Ins: Sometimes I toss in fresh cherry tomatoes or replace celery with crunchy bell peppers to brighten the salad in summer.
Cheese Options: If you’re not a blue cheese fan, substituting with feta or even shredded cheddar can still bring that creamy tang and enhance the salad’s character.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

A small white bowl filled with orange-colored rotini pasta mixed with pieces of green avocado, topped with small light blue cheese crumbles and green chives, all sitting on a white marbled surface with a large white bowl of the same pasta blurred in the background, and some scattered green chives around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Corn

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your husked corn on the cob and cook for exactly 10 minutes. The corn should be tender but still have a bit of snap. Remove the cobs and let them cool just enough to handle comfortably. Then, stand the cobs upright and carefully slice the kernels off with a sharp knife. This fresh corn will add a natural sweetness that balances the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Char the Corn for Extra Flavor

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the fresh corn kernels and cook, stirring frequently, until they start to blister and get those irresistible little charred spots—about 4-5 minutes. This step adds a smoky, caramelized note that really elevates the salad’s flavor profile. Remove the corn from the skillet and let it cool while you move on to the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Use the same pot of boiling water you used for the corn to cook your pasta. Boil it for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests so it remains just firm to the bite—a perfect texture for salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water thoroughly to stop the cooking and cool the pasta down. This keeps the noodles from sticking and prepares them perfectly for the creamy buffalo dressing.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy Buffalo Dressing

In a large bowl, combine buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, and sugar. Whisk until you get a smooth, cohesive dressing with a spicy kick and just a touch of sweetness to balance it out. This creamy mixture is the flavor heart of the Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe, tying every element together in one delicious bite.

Step 5: Toss Together the Salad Ingredients

To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, charred corn, shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, and crumbled blue cheese. Gently fold everything together to coat evenly without mashing the salad. The combination of textures here—from creamy to crunchy to tender—makes each forkful a delight.

Step 6: Add Avocado Just Before Serving

Lastly, just before serving, gently fold in the cubed avocado. This adds a buttery richness that cools the heat and rounds out the flavors beautifully. Feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of minced chives, extra blue cheese crumbles, and a dash more buffalo sauce if you'd like an extra punch. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Top Tip

These helpful tips will make your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe come together beautifully every time, enhancing flavors and keeping textures spot on.

Sauté the Corn for Extra Depth: I love lightly charring the corn after boiling—it adds a subtle smoky sweetness that really elevates the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking it 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests ensures it stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t turn mushy once mixed with the dressing.
Hold the Avocado Until Serving: Adding avocado at the very end keeps it fresh and prevents it from browning, giving your salad that creamy pop.
Balance the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, try reducing the buffalo sauce or swapping in a milder wing sauce—you can always add more later if you want more kick.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

A bowl with five layers of food arranged separately: in the top right, cooked beige spiral pasta; on top left, light green celery slices; bottom left, shredded light pink chicken; top left center, crumbled blue cheese with white and blue pieces; in the bottom right, small pieces of grilled yellow corn; and in the right center, chopped dark green onions. The bowl itself is a light gray color with subtle orange brush marks inside and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like minced fresh chives, extra crumbled blue cheese, or a small drizzle of buffalo sauce really bring out the flavors. If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pepitas or chopped pecans for a fun twist.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a main but pairs beautifully with crisp fresh greens or a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing. For a picnic or barbecue, try serving it alongside grilled vegetables or your favorite chips for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying later.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the creamy dressing and avocado. For best results, prepare only what you plan to eat within a few days.

Reheating

Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmed, set aside a portion before adding avocado and serve it at room temperature instead.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes an easy and flavorful shortcut—just shred it and toss it into the salad for quick prep.

How can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe gluten free?

Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten free pasta to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.

What can I substitute if I don’t have blue cheese?

Feta cheese or goat cheese can be tasty alternatives that offer a similar tangy creaminess without overpowering the flavors.

How spicy is this salad?

It has a noticeable kick from the buffalo sauce, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount or using a milder sauce for less spice.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe brings a burst of bold, comforting flavor to your table. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough for a weekday lunch but special enough for your next gathering. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by tweaking the heat or adding your favorite extras. Happy cooking and even happier eating!