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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo chicken pasta salad with creamy dressing and crisp celery in a bowl

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This Buffalo chicken pasta salad is the ultimate creamy and spicy potluck hit. It transforms classic buffalo wing flavors into a hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for lunches, picnics, or easy dinners. With a lighter Greek yogurt dressing and simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies cravings without weighing you down.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz short pasta, like rotini, penne, or fusilli
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Buffalo hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, diced celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  4. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Just before serving, fold in the crumbled blue cheese (if using).

Notes

For best results, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. Use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie) for a quick shortcut. Adjust hot sauce to control spice level. Add blue cheese at the end to maintain its texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

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