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
- 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to taste)
Instructions
- 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. - 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. - 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. - Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine pasta, bell pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, buffalo chickpeas, and ranch dressing. Toss until well coated. - 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
