Description
Try this spicy buffalo chicken pasta salad with creamy Greek yogurt—perfect for a quick lunch or party dish that packs flavor and protein.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta (about 2 cups cooked)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full‑fat or 2%)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the chicken. If you haven’t already, shred the cooked chicken breast into bite‑sized pieces. Toss the chicken with 1/2 cup of the buffalo sauce, letting it coat evenly.
- Make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), remaining buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, buffalo chicken, and the yogurt dressing. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Add extras. Stir in the shredded cheddar, parsley, and green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a high‑quality buffalo sauce for the best kick—homemade or a reputable brand.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking.
- For a dairy‑free version, replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and omit the cheddar.
- Keep the salad cold by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If you like a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Chicken recipes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta salad greek yogurt