Looking for the perfect potluck dish or a light, protein-packed lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Say hello to my Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Pasta Salad! It’s tangy, creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of spicy—with the bonus of being super easy to throw together. Whether you’re prepping for a summer BBQ, a week of lunches, or just craving something bold and refreshing, this pasta salad has your back.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
This isn’t your average pasta salad. We’re combining the zesty heat of buffalo sauce, the cool creaminess of ranch dressing, and the heartiness of chickpeas for a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and health-forward. Here’s what makes it a go-to in my kitchen:
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Protein-packed thanks to the chickpeas (hello, plant-based power!)
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Super customizable – toss in your favorite veggies or a little shredded chicken if you’d like.
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Meal Prep friendly – it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge and is perfect for busy weekdays!
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Perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Pasta (Pick your favorite!)
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Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
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Red onion for a little bite.
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Cherry tomatoes, halved.
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Buffalo sauce (your favorite brand or homemade).
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Ranch dressing (store-bought or DIY).
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Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish.
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Optional: crumbled blue cheese or feta.
How to Make It
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Cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- Air Fry or roast the chickpeas: this gives them their signature crunch!
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Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, stir together buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Adjust the ratio depending on your spice tolerance!
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Toss it all together: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chickpeas, veggies, and dressing. Mix well to coat everything.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Trust me—it’s worth the wait!
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Garnish with fresh herbs or cheese just before serving.
Make It Your Own
This salad is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it suit your taste:
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Add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a meatier version.
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Toss in some avocado or shredded cheddar.
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Swap chickpea pasta for regular or gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Make it vegan with dairy-free ranch and skip the cheese.
Meal Prep Tip
This salad holds up great in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it a solid choice for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Pasta Salad checks all the boxes: bold flavor, simple ingredients, and easy prep. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a spot in your regular rotation—and gets recipe requests every time you share it.
Let me know in the comments if you make it! I’d love to hear how you customized it.
Pin this recipe for later and be sure to follow me on social media so that you never miss a recipe!
-Ashton
Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chickpeas by tossing with olive oil, salt and pepper. Air Fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until smooth. Taste and adjust the ratio depending on your heat preference.
- Toss the cooked chickpeas with half of the sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chickpeas red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the top.
- Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the remaining sauce. Top with cilantro and green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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Hi, I’m Ashton — a Disney-loving, food-obsessed single mom of two amazing boys! I’m the creator behind The Haunted Foodie and now the proud author of Magical Meals and a Movie: The Cookbook. My e-book combines over 70 original recipes, printable menu cards, crafts, activities, and decorating tips to turn family movie nights into magical memories. Whether I’m in the kitchen, planning festive movie nights, or dreaming of my next Disney trip, I’m all about creating joy through food and storytelling. I’m so excited you’re here to share the magic with me! 💜
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