Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad (Printable Recipe)
Zesty buffalo chickpeas meet creamy ranch in this hearty summer pasta salad.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta and Vegetables
01 -
1 pound short pasta such as cavatappi, cooked and cooled
02 -
1 bell pepper, diced
03 -
10 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
04 -
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
05 -
1/2 large red onion or 1 small red onion, diced
06 -
2 small avocados, chopped
07 -
2 green onions, diced for topping
→ Buffalo Chickpeas
08 -
1 teaspoon avocado oil
09 -
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
10 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 -
1/4 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
→ Green Chile Ranch Dressing
14 -
2/3 cup vegan mayonnaise
15 -
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
16 -
2 cloves garlic, peeled
17 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
18 -
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
19 -
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
20 -
1/4 teaspoon dried dill
21 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
22 -
1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside to cool.
02 -
In a skillet over medium heat, warm avocado oil. Add chickpeas, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until chickpeas begin to crisp. Stir in buffalo sauce and cook for 2 additional minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
03 -
In a food processor or blender, combine vegan mayonnaise, green chiles, garlic, onion powder, parsley, chives, dill, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust vinegar or seasoning to taste.
04 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, bell pepper, grape tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, avocados, and buffalo chickpeas. Pour in the ranch dressing and toss thoroughly. Top with green onions and serve.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Allow both pasta and chickpeas to cool fully before mixing to preserve texture and prevent wilting of vegetables.
02 -
Add avocados just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
03 -
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or increase the mayo in the dressing.