Go Back

Buffalo Ranch Protein Pasta Salad - Bold Flavor, Simple Meal Prep

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or high-protein wheat penne/rotini)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen and thawed or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional but delicious)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk for best texture)
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1/3–1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (start with 1/3 cup, add more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (store-bought packet or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed to thin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil in well-salted water until just al dente. Protein pastas can overcook fast, so check a minute early. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Dry it off: Shake the colander and spread pasta on a sheet pan for 5 minutes. Drier pasta holds dressing better and prevents sogginess.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mayo, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice. Add 1–2 tablespoons water until it’s creamy and pourable. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss the base: Add cooled pasta to the bowl with dressing. Fold until every piece is lightly coated.
  5. Add protein and crunch: Stir in chicken, celery, carrots, tomatoes, corn, and red onion. Taste and adjust buffalo or salt to your liking.
  6. Finish with extras: Fold in blue cheese and parsley. If using avocado or bacon, add right before serving for best texture.
  7. Chill and set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the dressing cling to the pasta.
  8. Serve: Give it a quick stir. If it looks a bit thick, splash in a tablespoon of water or a drizzle of buffalo sauce and toss again.