Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

This Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy buffalo chickpeas and creamy dairy-free ranch dressing, this salad combines bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick meal prep option, this salad will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Twist: The combination of spicy buffalo chickpeas and creamy ranch creates a mouthwatering contrast that is hard to resist.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from avocados, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for those following a plant-based diet, this salad uses no animal products yet delivers on taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make this dish your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making the Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet: Perfect for achieving crispy chickpeas that add texture to the salad.
• Food processor or blender: Needed for quickly blending the ranch dressing to a smooth consistency.

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 Base

• 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

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

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Chickpeas

1. Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the drained chickpeas along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper.
3. Cook for about 3 minutes until the chickpeas start getting crispy.
4. Pour in the buffalo sauce and cook for another couple of minutes while stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Vegan Ranch Dressing

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

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced veggies, crispy chickpeas, and ranch dressing.
2. Toss everything together until well mixed.
3. Top with diced green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad, perfect as a main course or side dish!

How to Serve Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is versatile and perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or a casual dinner at home, this delicious salad can be enjoyed in many ways.

As a Main Course

• This hearty salad serves well as a filling main dish for lunch or dinner. The combination of pasta and chickpeas provides ample protein and fiber.

As a Side Dish

• Pair this salad with grilled veggies or burgers for a delightful side that complements the flavors of your main course.

In Meal Prep Containers

• Divide the salad into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat!

Topped with Extra Veggies

• Add your favorite vegetables like spinach or kale on top for an extra nutrient boost and vibrant color.

Chill Before Serving

• For an even fresher taste, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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How to Perfect Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

To make your Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad truly outstanding, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies elevate the flavor of your salad. Choose ripe tomatoes and crisp bell peppers for the best taste.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a milder version.
• Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for a while enhances its flavor. Let it rest in the fridge for an hour before serving.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize your salad with other ingredients like corn, black olives, or cucumber for added texture and taste.
• Garnish creatively: Top your dish with chopped nuts or seeds for a crunchy finish that contrasts nicely with the creamy ranch.
• Keep it vegan: Ensure all ingredients, especially sauces and dressings, are vegan-friendly if that is your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with an array of side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms brushed with olive oil make a fantastic complement.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs offer a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy salad.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the pasta salad.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor when served alongside this dish.
5. Garlic Bread Sticks: Warm garlic bread sticks are perfect for scooping up any leftover salad from your plate!
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar brings freshness that pairs well with bold flavors.
7. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad adds a refreshing touch and balances out spices from the buffalo sauce.
8. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa create a fun snack option alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few essential steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long can lead to a mushy texture. Follow package instructions for al dente pasta and rinse with cold water.
• Neglecting seasoning – Without proper seasoning, your salad can taste bland. Be sure to season both the chickpeas and the ranch dressing well.
• Using unripe avocados – Unripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed for optimal creaminess.
• Skipping the chilling time – Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best taste.
• Not balancing flavors – Ensure a good balance between spicy and creamy elements. Adjust buffalo sauce and ranch ingredients according to your taste preferences.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the avocado and pasta texture changes.
• If you must freeze, do so without the dressing and add it fresh after thawing.

Reheating Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15 minutes covered with foil.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for chickpeas?

You can use black beans or white beans as alternatives for chickpeas if desired.

Is Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta options while keeping all other ingredients gluten-free as well.

How can I customize Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or carrots and adjust spice levels based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for picnics or meal prep, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or dressings. Give this recipe a try for a delightful meal that everyone will love!