Spicy High-Protein Buffalo Pasta Salad – Your New Favorite!
This Spicy High Protein Buffalo Pasta Salad is a game-changer that combines spicy buffalo flavors with hearty, satisfying ingredients. Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- High-Protein Pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
- Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast
- Buffalo Sauce
- Greek Yogurt (plain, non-fat)
- Celery
- Red Onion
- Blue Cheese Crumbles (Optional)
- Ranch Seasoning Mix
- Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and rinse it under cold water. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shred it. If cooking fresh chicken breasts, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or poach in simmering water for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, shred or dice and add to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
- Chop the Veggies: Wash and finely dice your celery and red onion. Add these chopped vegetables to the bowl with the pasta and chicken.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, plain Greek yogurt, and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until smooth and well-combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Everything: Pour the buffalo dressing over the pasta, chicken, celery, and red onion in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss until all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
- Add the Blue Cheese (Optional): If using blue cheese crumbles, sprinkle them into the salad and gently fold them in.
- Chill Time is Key: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, stir the salad and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce to your preference. This salad is great for meal prep and can be enhanced with additional crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots.