This Buffalo Chicken Tortellini Salad is a zesty twist on your classic pasta salad, combining tender cheese-filled tortellini with spicy Buffalo chicken, crunchy celery, and juicy grape tomatoes. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, all tied together with a creamy ranch-Buffalo dressing. This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck offering.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) package Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- (Optional) 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, shredded chicken, sliced celery, grape tomatoes, and green onions. If you love the bold taste of blue cheese, toss in the crumbles for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and Buffalo wing sauce. Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill: For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips:
- Spice Level: If you like it extra spicy, add more Buffalo wing sauce or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Add-ins: Try adding some chopped avocado or diced bell peppers for more color and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
- Serve With: This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or fresh veggies for dipping into any extra dressing.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying salad as a main dish or a hearty side!
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