Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Jar Recipe

I’ve always loved recipes that bring bold flavor and convenience together, and these Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Jars do exactly that.

They’re spicy, creamy, crunchy, and portable — the perfect combination for meal prep that doesn’t feel boring.

Each jar layers zesty buffalo chicken with tender rotini pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing.

They’re ideal for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners, and they look absolutely gorgeous stacked in a fridge.

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Recipe Highlights

If you’re a fan of bold, crave-worthy flavors, this salad jar will quickly become one of your go-tos.

It’s packed with protein from the grilled chicken, balanced with carbs from the pasta, and finished with Cool Ranch to mellow the spice.

You can prep them up to four days ahead and just shake and eat when you’re ready. The best part?

No soggy salads, thanks to the clever layering method that keeps everything fresh.

Highlights:

• Spicy-creamy flavor balance that’s wildly addictive

• Perfect for meal prep or quick weekday lunches

• Customizable with your favorite veggies or cheese

• High in protein and stays fresh for days

Ingredient Notes

• Grilled Chicken: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Once grilled, toss them in buffalo sauce for that signature tangy-spicy kick.
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• Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot works beautifully). It gives that classic “buffalo” flavor without overpowering the ranch.
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• Rotini Pasta: The spirals hold the dressing perfectly, and they layer neatly in jars. You can also use penne or fusilli if preferred.
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• Ranch Dressing: A creamy homemade ranch or store-bought version both work. Layer this on the bottom so it doesn’t make the lettuce soggy.
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• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it’s the perfect contrast to spicy chicken.
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• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, mild balance to the spice.
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• Cherry Tomatoes & Celery: These add crunch and freshness while tying into classic buffalo-wing sides.

How to Make My Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Jars

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool completely.
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2. Grill the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill until cooked through, then slice and toss in warm buffalo sauce.
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3. Prepare the Dressing: Add ranch dressing to the bottom of each jar (about 2 to 3 tablespoons).
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4. Layer the Ingredients: Add pasta on top of the dressing, then the chicken, celery, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and romaine lettuce.
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5. Seal & Store: Close jars tightly and refrigerate. Shake before serving, or pour into a bowl and mix well.

Serving Suggestions

These jars pair beautifully with:

• A side of garlic breadsticks or pita chips

• Chilled lemonade or iced tea for a cooling contrast

• Sliced avocado or a sprinkle of blue cheese for added richness

They’re also great for picnics, work lunches, or road trips where fresh food is hard to find.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Jars

Let the pasta and chicken cool before assembling so the lettuce stays crisp. Layer dressing first, then pasta and heavier ingredients, finishing with greens on top.

For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of buffalo sauce into the ranch. These jars last up to 4 days in the refrigerator, so they’re ideal for Sunday meal prep.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

• Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Do not freeze.

• For best results, keep jars upright to prevent dressing from reaching the lettuce.

• To enjoy warm, pour contents into a bowl and microwave for 30–45 seconds (excluding lettuce).