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Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad close-up with creamy green chile ranch, crispy buffalo chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, cilantro, and green onions.

Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is creamy, spicy, and loaded with bold flavor. Tender pasta is tossed with crispy buffalo chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a zesty green chile ranch for the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta salad. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

  • 1 pound short pasta (cavatappi works great)
  • 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 Buffalo Chickpeas

  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)

For the Green Chile Ranch

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the buffalo chickpeas:
    Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chickpeas, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until slightly crispy.
    Stir in buffalo sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. Blend the green chile ranch:
    Add all ranch ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust vinegar or seasoning as needed.
  4. Assemble the salad:
    In a large bowl, combine pasta, bell pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, buffalo chickpeas, and ranch dressing. Toss until well coated.
  5. Finish and serve:
    Gently fold in avocado. Top with green onions and serve immediately, or chill for 30–60 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add avocado just before serving for best texture.
  • If making ahead, store dressing separately and mix before serving for maximum freshness.
  • For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg