Craving a mouthwatering dish that'll make your taste buds dance and impress even the most skeptical plant-based food critics? Look no further! This Vegan Buffalo Chickn Pasta Salad is about to revolutionize your lunch game with its perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and totally irresistible flavors. Imagine a cool, zesty pasta salad that packs a punch of buffalo sauce, loaded with crisp vegetables and plant-based protein that'll leave you wondering how something so delicious could be completely vegan!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cup vegan chickn, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup vegan ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegan chickn by shredding it into bite-sized pieces. If using store-bought plant-based chicken alternative, ensure it's heated through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded vegan chickn, diced celery, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
- Pour the buffalo sauce over the pasta mixture, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed.
- Add vegan ranch dressing to the bowl, stirring carefully to create a creamy and spicy coating on the pasta and vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce if desired.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and chill the pasta salad.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and taste, adjusting seasonings if needed. Serve cold as a refreshing and spicy side dish or light meal.
Tips
- For the best flavor, let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the buffalo sauce and ranch to really marry the ingredients.
- Choose your pasta wisely! Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or penne work best for holding onto the sauce and mix-ins.
- If you want to add extra crunch, consider toasting some breadcrumbs or adding a sprinkle of crushed vegan crackers on top before serving.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more gradually to find your perfect spice level.
- This pasta salad is incredibly versatile - it can be a quick lunch, a potluck hit, or a delicious side dish for your next summer gathering.
- For meal prep, this dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
