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Creamy Buffalo Chicken Protein Pasta Salad - Bold Flavor, Easy Meal Prep

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5% for extra creaminess)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or more yogurt for lighter)
  • 1/3–1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (or see note below for DIY)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste, especially if using salty hot sauce)
  • 1 cup celery, finely sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, finely diced or shredded
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Optional toppings: extra hot sauce, ranch drizzle, green onions

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely so the dressing doesn’t thin out.
  2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Start with 1/3 cup hot sauce and add more to taste. The dressing should be creamy with a tangy, spicy kick.
  3. Prep the mix-ins: While the pasta cools, chop celery, carrots, bell pepper, and red onion. Shred or dice the cooked chicken.
  4. Combine: Add cooled pasta, chicken, celery, carrots, bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Fold in extras: Stir in blue cheese (or feta) and fresh parsley or chives. Taste and adjust seasoning—more hot sauce for heat, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a pinch of salt if needed.
  6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. It gets even better after a few hours.
  7. Serve: Give it a quick stir before serving. Add a drizzle of Buffalo sauce or ranch on top and a sprinkle of herbs if you like.