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Hearty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing
Arkely

Hearty Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing

This vibrant Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of creamy ranch dressing, smoky chicken, and crunchy vegetables. It’s ideal for summer barbecues or casual gatherings, offering a delightful mix of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The key to this dish lies in the homemade ranch dressing, which adds a tangy kick to every bite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 462
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped chives
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños with 2 tablespoons brine
  • 1 pound short cut pasta I use Gemelli or Bow Tie Pasta
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1-2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cubed spicy cheddar cheese optional
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 slices cooked bacon chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro basil or both

Method
 

Main Method
  1. 1. To make the ranch. Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a glass measuring cup or jar until smooth. Work through this step deliberately rather than rushing it, because this is where the texture and balance of the recipe start to take shape. Keep the listed quantities and order of operations unchanged, and have the next ingredients ready before you move on.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.2. To make the salad. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain.3. Toss the warm pasta in a large bowl with the buffalo sauce. Add the chicken, cheeses, romaine, tomatoes, and as much ranch as desired. 4. Top with the bacon and fresh herbs, plus additional ranch.
  3. If making ahead, add the romaine, tomatoes, and bacon just before serving.