Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

This Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a picnic, or simply enjoying a delicious meal at home, this salad delivers on flavor and nutrition. With crispy buffalo chickpeas, creamy vegan ranch dressing, and colorful veggies, it’s not just a salad but a delightful experience that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pasta Salad
• For the Crispy Chickpeas
• For the Vegan Ranch Dressing
• How to Make Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Chickpeas
• Step 3: Blend the Ranch Dressing
• Step 4: Assemble the Salad
• How to Serve Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
• As a Main Dish
• As a Side Dish
• In Wraps
• With Extra Toppings
• Chilled or Room Temperature
• How to Perfect Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Reheating Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad?
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
• What should I serve with Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad?
• How do I customize my Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy buffalo chickpeas and creamy ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this pasta salad can be enjoyed year-round.
• Nutritionally Packed: Made with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas and fresh vegetables, it’s both filling and nutritious.
• Vegan-Friendly: Completely plant-based, this salad caters to vegans and vegetarians without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Food processor or blender
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing the chickpeas until crispy, enhancing the texture of the dish.
• Food processor or blender: Essential for creating a smooth and creamy ranch dressing that ties all flavors together.

Ingredients

This Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is the ultimate vegan salad! Made with crispy buffalo chickpeas, dairy-free green chile ranch, pasta & veggies!

For the Pasta Salad

• 1 pound short pasta (I used cavatappi)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 10 ounces grape tomatoes (halved)
• 1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
• 1/2 large red onion (diced, or 1 small onion)
• 2 small avocados (chopped)
• 2 green onions (diced, for topping)

For the Crispy Chickpeas

• 1 teaspoon avocado oil
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (I used Frank’s Red Hot)

For the Vegan Ranch Dressing

• 2/3 cups vegan mayo
• 1 4-ounce can green chiles
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to taste)

How to Make Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Chickpeas

In a skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the chickpeas along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until they start to get crispy. Pour in the buffalo sauce and cook for another couple of minutes while stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let them cool.

Step 3: Blend the Ranch Dressing

In a food processor or blender, combine all ranch dressing ingredients: vegan mayo, green chiles, garlic cloves, onion powder, dried parsley, dried chives, dried dill, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, chopped avocados, crispy chickpeas, and ranch dressing. Toss everything together until well mixed. Top with diced green onions before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously spicy and creamy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a versatile dish perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or a cozy dinner at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

As a Main Dish

• This salad can stand alone as a satisfying main course. It’s packed with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from avocados, making it filling and nutritious.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or burgers for a delightful contrast of flavors. The spicy buffalo kick pairs well with savory dishes.

In Wraps

• Use lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps to create fresh and portable wraps. Fill them with the pasta salad for an easy lunch on the go.

With Extra Toppings

• Elevate your salad by adding more toppings like sunflower seeds, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled vegan cheese for added texture and flavor.

Chilled or Room Temperature

• This salad tastes great chilled or at room temperature. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy serving later.

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How to Perfect Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

To make the most of your Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs will enhance the flavor profile and overall freshness of the salad.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Experiment with Pasta Types: While short pasta works well, feel free to try other shapes like fusilli or farfalle for variety in texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or corn for added color and nutrition.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with additional herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad can enhance the meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that complements the spicy pasta salad beautifully.
2. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These fries provide a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the creamy salad.
3. Vegan Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the dish.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor pairs excellently with the bold taste of buffalo sauce.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks make a comforting side that everyone will love.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can add extra protein and fiber while keeping things wholesome.
7. Pickled Vegetables: Adding tangy pickles can cut through the richness and enhance flavors in your meal.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers sweetness that contrasts nicely with spiciness and creaminess of the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Always follow package instructions and taste-test for the right texture.
• Skipping the Rinsing Step: Not rinsing the pasta after cooking can lead to clumping. Make sure to rinse with cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient has its own flavor profile. Taste your ranch dressing and chickpeas, and adjust seasonings to suit your preference.
• Not Allowing Chickpeas to Cool: Adding hot chickpeas directly can wilt the veggies. Let the chickpeas cool before mixing them into the salad.
• Forgetting About Customization: Sticking rigidly to ingredients can limit flavor. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat while stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad:

What is Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad?

Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a vibrant vegan dish that combines pasta, crispy buffalo chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What should I serve with Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled vegetables or as a side dish at BBQs and picnics. It’s also great on its own!

How do I customize my Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add different vegetables like corn or cucumber. You can also adjust the spice level by using more or less buffalo sauce.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its combination of flavors and textures, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite veggies or dressings for a unique twist that suits your taste buds!