This Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic pasta salad! It’s packed with protein from chickpeas and tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce that adds a kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twists hold onto the dressing so well! If you don’t have rotini, short pasta like penne or fusilli will work nicely too.
Chickpeas: These add protein and a chewy texture. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you could substitute with canned black beans or even cooked lentils!
Buffalo Sauce: The star of this dish! Choose your favorite brand based on how spicy you like it. You can make a homemade version if preferred, or for a milder option, use a sweet chili sauce.
Cheese: I prefer mozzarella for its creaminess. Feel free to swap it for cheddar or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking to make it vegan.
How Do You Make Chickpeas Crispy?
Getting your chickpeas crispy adds a nice crunch to the salad and enhances flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas well, then dry them with a towel.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the chickpeas and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden and slightly crunchy.
- Carefully remove them from the skillet to avoid overcooking!
This process truly elevates your salad, giving it texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy buffalo sauce!
Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced (both white and green parts)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (choose your preferred heat level)
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep and cooking time. Plus, you’ll want to chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. So, in total, plan for about an hour to let those delicious flavors come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which means slightly firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and cools the pasta down, making it perfect for the salad.
2. Preparing the Chickpeas:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the drained chickpeas. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often until they become slightly crispy and golden. This step adds a wonderful texture to the salad! When they are done, remove them from heat and set aside.
3. Mixing the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and sliced green onions. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up.
4. Adding the Flavor:
Pour the buffalo sauce over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything well to ensure it’s evenly coated with the spicy sauce. Adding salt and pepper to taste will give it an extra kick!
5. Cheese and Dressing:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the salad. Then, finish it off by drizzling ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for that creamy contrast.
6. Chilling:
To let all those flavors meld together beautifully, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it right away, but chilling really enhances the taste.
7. Serving:
Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Enjoy this spicy, crunchy, creamy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad with friends or family as a side dish or a light meal!
FAQ for Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Just cook according to the package directions, and this salad will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the pasta may absorb some sauce, so you may want to add a bit more dressing before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Of course! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and choose a vegan ranch dressing. The salad will still be tasty and satisfying!
What Else Can I Add to This Salad?
This salad is super versatile! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or avocados for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also toss in some spinach or arugula for added greens!
