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Spicy High Protein Buffalo Pasta Salad

Spicy High Protein Buffalo Pasta Salad for Flavor Lovers

This Spicy High Protein Buffalo Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, al dente orecchiette, and crunchy veggies in a creamy yogurt dressing, making it a delicious and nutritious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Orecchiette
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast can use rotisserie chicken
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Red Onion cut into wedges
  • 1 cup Carrots shredded or cut into matchsticks
  • 1 cup Celery chopped
  • 1/4 cup Scallions sliced
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce (Frank's RedHot) adjust based on spice tolerance
  • 1/2 cup Yogurt preferably Greek yogurt

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you season your chicken breast. In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Rub this blend over the chicken breast to coat evenly.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the seasoned chicken breast and red onion wedges on it. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  3. While the chicken and onions roast, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and stir in the orecchiette. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and let cool.
  4. Allow the chicken and onions to rest for a few minutes. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the onions, celery, and carrots.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce and yogurt until combined. This dressing balances the heat with creaminess.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orecchiette, chopped chicken, roasted onions, celery, carrots, and scallions. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  7. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or serve immediately. For added creaminess after chilling, stir in more yogurt or buffalo sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Ideal for meal prep, this salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Adjust ingredients for personal preference and spice tolerance.

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