Healthy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe

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Imagine a tender pasta coated in a creamy, spicy buffalo dressing, tossed with crunchy veggies and protein-packed chickpeas. This Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad delivers the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and refreshing crunch—all in one bowl. Whether you're meal-prepping, serving it as a crowd-pleasing side, or enjoying it as a satisfying main dish, this recipe is bound to steal the spotlight!

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

✅ 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work best)
✅ 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
✅ ½ cup celery, diced
✅ ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
✅ ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
✅ ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

For the Creamy Buffalo Dressing:

✅ ⅓ cup vegan mayo (or plain dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option)
✅ ¼ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is perfect!)
✅ 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ ½ tsp onion powder
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste

For Topping (Optional but Recommended!):

✅ Dairy-free ranch drizzle (for cooling contrast)
✅ Sliced green onions
✅ Crushed tortilla chips (for a crunchy twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3️⃣ Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Dressing

1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2️⃣ Adjust heat by adding more or less hot sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chickpeas, celery, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
2️⃣ Pour the buffalo dressing over the top and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

1️⃣ Sprinkle with sliced green onions, a drizzle of vegan ranch, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
2️⃣ Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad

🔥 Love it extra spicy? – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha.
🌱 Gluten-Free? – Use chickpea, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta.
🥑 Creamier Twist? – Blend ½ an avocado into the dressing for extra richness.
❄️ Make-Ahead Friendly! – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is bold, creamy, spicy, and totally addictive—the perfect dish to shake up your usual salad routine!

Healthy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe - Vegan Recipe