This easy Spicy Macaroni Salad recipe gives a flavorful kick to a classic pasta salad with the addition of jalapenos, cayenne pepper & buffalo sauce!

Spicy macaroni salad with diced jalapenos, tomatoes and onions

This spicy macaroni salad recipe was originally posted on the blog in May 2012 when the Bond family threw a BBQ for Memorial Day Weekend. The post has since been updated with shiny new photos and a fancy little video!

It was the first time I cooked original recipes from the blog for my friends and family in Oklahoma. The cooking experience was made even more excellent because I had a lot of help. My Dad was my sous chef, my Brother was my dishwasher and my Mom and Aunt were my taste-testers.

Pretty sure my Mom and Aunt got the best jobs in the house, but I was very grateful to everyone for their help!

The menu consisted of a couple of new recipes, a favorite recipe from the blog and Dad’s famous Oklahoma BBQ Brisket Sliders!

Check out the delicious menu below!

Everything on the menu except the dessert was gluten-free and half of the menu was vegetarian!

Spicy Buffalo Macaroni Salad Ingredients

Ingredients you’ll need

  • 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
  • 3/4 cup greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1 tomato (diced)
  • 1/2 red onion (diced)
  • 1 jalapeño (de-seeded and diced)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup peperoncinis (chopped)

Step by step instructions

Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the salad dressing by combining the greek yogurt, vinegar and buffalo sauce. Add the chili powder, cayenne pepper and crushed garlic.

Spicy Buffalo Macaroni Salad Dressing

Whisk well.

Spicy Buffalo Macaroni Salad Dressing

Chop the tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro and peperoncinis.

Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl and add the chopped vegetables.

Spicy Macaroni Salad

Add the dressing.

Creamy buffalo sauce pasta salad dressing

Mix well then place in the refrigerator to chill for one hour.

Spicy macaroni salad with creamy buffalo sauce, tomatoes, onions and cilantro

Remove at BBQ time and serve.

This recipe is not for the faint of heart! If you’re looking to tone down the spice level a notch, cut the amount of cayenne pepper, chili powder and jalapeños in half.

Spicy Macaroni Salad with diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro

More side dishes to try

Be sure to add one or two of these side dish recipes to your next BBQ menu!

This spicy macaroni salad recipe gives a flavorful kick to a traditional pasta salad with the addition of jalapenos, cayenne pepper & buffalo sauce!
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Spicy Macaroni Salad

This easy Spicy Macaroni Salad recipe gives a flavorful kick to a classic pasta salad with the addition of jalapenos, cayenne pepper & buffalo sauce!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the salad dressing by combining the greek yogurt, vinegar, buffalo sauce, chili powder, cayenne pepper and crushed garlic in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Place the cooked macaroni in a large mixing bowl, add the tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro and pepperoncinis.
  • Add the dressing.
  • Mix well then place in the refrigerator to chill for one hour.
  • Remove at BBQ time and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Vegan Option: Replace the greek yogurt with Veganaise, Vegan mayonnaise.
  • Gluten Free Option: This recipe is gluten-free when made with gluten-free pasta, such as corn or brown rice pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 76kcal (4%)Carbohydrates 14g (5%)Protein 4g (8%)Fat 1g (2%)Saturated Fat 1g (5%)Cholesterol 1mgSodium 243mg (10%)Potassium 136mg (4%)Fiber 1g (4%)Sugar 2g (2%)Vitamin A 283mg (6%)Vitamin C 9mg (11%)Calcium 32mg (3%)Iron 1mg (6%)
Did you make this recipe?Tag @WhitneyBond on Instagram and hashtag it #WBRecipes!

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