Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the tangy kick of buffalo sauce, the creamy coolness of ranch, and the hearty satisfaction of perfectly cooked pasta - all without the guilt! This Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is about to revolutionize your meal prep and become your new favorite go-to recipe. Whether you're a spice lover, a vegetarian looking for a protein-packed meal, or just someone who craves bold flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained chickpeas, diced celery, and shredded carrots.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Pour the buffalo-ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top of the salad for added freshness and flavor.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning with additional buffalo sauce or ranch dressing if desired.
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure to thoroughly pat your chickpeas dry before mixing. This helps them absorb the buffalo sauce more effectively.
- Use a high-quality buffalo sauce for maximum flavor - artisan or craft hot sauces can elevate the entire dish.
- If you prefer less heat, start with half the recommended buffalo sauce and gradually add more to taste.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
- For extra protein, you can add crumbled feta or blue cheese on top.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rotini or shells, to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, so patience is key!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
