Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is loaded with carrots, celery and chicken and tossed in a healthy and creamy buffalo sauce. It’s the perfect quick weekday lunch or side dish for dinner!
We’ve been having some really fun Thursday nights – the boys started basketball playing basketball! They were both SO excited, especially Will. Pretty much since he could talk, he’s asked to be in some kind of sport. “Mom, pllleeaassee sign me up for a sport like Jackie!!” When I told Will that he was going to be playing in his own basketball league, his response was “I’m going to go slam dunk on those babies”. (Also, please note that “those babies” were his fellow 3 years olds). I lost it – I mean how could you not?!
Well, all of Will’s dreams came true on Thursday. When we got to the gym, Jack said to Will “Okay Will, it’s your time!”. Will took that comment quite literally and marched over to his coach and said “Can I have one of those basketballs please?” And off he went. He dribbled to the top of the key, popped up a shot and swish. Maybe he just found his sport?!
Jack was the best big brother – cheering Will on and telling him to pay attention! After Will played, it was Jack’s turn. It’s so fun to see how much Jack has grown in the past year. He has so much more confidence and so many more skills. The kid plays some intense defense – he was independently doing a full court press and stealing the ball.
He can now dribble with his right and left hand – a year ago, he really couldn’t dribble at all. Jack is definitely his happiest when he’s playing sports – he’s so focused but has a smile on his face the whole time!
It’s so fun having both of the boys being in weeknight sports but, it can get a bit tricky to get them fed and to basketball on time. Anything that I can make ahead of time and have ready to go, is a big win for Thursday nights.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and rinse with cool water. This stops the noodles from cooking.
- In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch mix and mayonnaise.
- Once everything is mixed, add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, diced celery and shredded carrots to the bowl.
- Mix well to combine.
- Top with green onions and enjoy!
What Shredded Chicken Should I Use?
I always have shredded chicken on hand (I store it in the freezer), so it is super easy to add protein to this meal. When I am ready to make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad, I just break off the amount of chicken that I need and heat it in the microwave. I allow it to cool prior to adding it to the pasta salad.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is great when you make it ahead of time – the flavors just get better. It’s got a little bit of a kick to it but it’s more of a “Minnesota Spicy”. Will loves it and scarfs it up with the dressing and all. It’s too spicy for Jack, so I set aside some for him before I add the dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a great recipe for a healthy, quick and easy dinner! Plus, it makes delicious leftovers.
Healthy, Quick & Easy Recipes
Whenever I ask my readers what types of recipes they would like to see more of, the resounding answer is always “quick and easy dinners”. I always like hearing that answer because those are the kind of recipes that I want to make! So, whenever you come to Land of 10,000 Recipes, you will always be able to find recipes that are healthy, quick and easy!
Tips for Involving Kids
- Have your kids help you dice the celery and shred the carrots.
- Let them measure out the ingredients for the dressing.
- Have them stir up all the ingredients – they may need some help with this!
- There is always going to be a mess when you cook with your kids but, like my little guy Will (3 years old) says, “It’s okay Mom, chefs make messes and then they clean it up.” Have fun cooking with your kids!!
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups carrots shredded
- 1½ cups celery diced
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup Frank’s buffalo sauce
- 1 Tbsp ranch mix
- 2 Tbsp light mayonnaise
- green onions diced for serving
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse with cool water.12 oz rotini pasta
- In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, ranch mix and mayonnaise.1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, ¼ cup Frank’s buffalo sauce, 1 Tbsp ranch mix, 2 Tbsp light mayonnaise
- Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, diced celery and shredded carrots to the dressing.2 cups shredded chicken, 1½ cups celery, 2 cups carrots
- Mix well to combine. Top with green onions and enjoy!green onions, salt and pepper
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