Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe That Wows Every Time

Whipping up a crowd-pleasing easy buffalo chicken salad recipe doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Crisp lettuce and tender, spicy chicken create a perfect balance of flavors that dance on your plate.

Zesty buffalo sauce adds a kick that will make you want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Crunchy celery and cool ranch dressing provide delightful contrast to the bold chicken.

Blue cheese crumbles bring a tangy richness that complements the spicy elements beautifully.

Mix these ingredients quickly for a satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet irresistible combination that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Storage Advice For Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy lettuce.
• Place chicken, veggies, and cheese in different containers to maintain freshness and texture.
• Warm the buffalo chicken in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before adding to cold salad ingredients.
• Do not freeze this salad, as lettuce and vegetables will lose crispness and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• What protein does this salad use?

Shredded chicken, which is coated in spicy buffalo sauce for extra flavor and kick.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare chicken and chop vegetables in advance and assemble the salad when ready to eat, making it convenient for busy schedules.

• Can I make this salad healthier?

Absolutely! Use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing, add more vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers, and control the amount of cheese to reduce calories.

• How spicy is this buffalo chicken salad?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce according to your preference.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Made Better

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs, making it versatile for different tastes and nutrition goals.
• Packed with Flavor: The bold buffalo sauce combined with cool ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering taste explosion that satisfies spicy food lovers.
• Healthy Protein Punch: Loaded with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this salad offers a nutritious meal that keeps you feeling full and energized.

Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

• Shredded Chicken: A lean protein that provides the base for the buffalo-style flavor profile.
• Buffalo Sauce: A tangy and spicy sauce that coats the chicken with classic buffalo wing taste.

• Romaine Lettuce, Celery, Carrots, Red Onion: A crisp vegetable mix that adds crunch, freshness, and nutritional variety to the salad.

• Blue Cheese, Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing: A creamy topping that adds rich flavor and complements the spicy buffalo chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Salad Easily

Step 1: Toss Chicken in Spicy Sauce

Grab your shredded chicken and pour buffalo sauce over it.

Mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated with the tangy, fiery sauce.

The chicken should look glossy and vibrant red.

Step 2: Create Crisp Salad Base

• Crisp romaine lettuce
• Crunchy celery
• Bright orange carrots
• Zesty red onion

Arrange the vegetables to create a colorful and inviting foundation for your salad.

Step 3: Add Protein and Cheese

Scatter the buffalo-coated chicken generously over the vegetable base.

Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese across the top for an extra punch of creamy, tangy flavor.

The blue cheese will add a delightful contrast to the spicy chicken.

Step 4: Dress and Finish

Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the entire salad.

The creamy dressing will help balance the heat from the buffalo sauce and add a rich, smooth texture.

Step 5: Final Touches

Gently toss all ingredients together or serve in beautiful layered portions.

Dust with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality buffalo chicken salad at home!

Pro Tips For Buffalo Chicken Salad Success

• Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by mixing mild and hot sauces or using less sauce for a milder flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie, grilled, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for dietary variety.
• Substitute blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different taste preferences.
• Add extra texture with toasted nuts, crispy chickpeas, or crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
• Prepare chicken and chop vegetables separately, storing them in airtight containers to create quick, grab-and-go salad lunches.

Variations For Buffalo Chicken Salad Dish

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Salad: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Keto-Friendly Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve buffalo chicken mixture in crisp lettuce leaves, omitting dressing and using low-carb blue cheese crumbles.
• Greek Yogurt Ranch Swap: Substitute traditional ranch with protein-packed Greek yogurt ranch dressing for a healthier, tangier flavor profile.
• Spicy Avocado Buffalo Chicken Salad: Add diced avocado for creamy texture and extra healthy fats, reducing overall dressing amount.

Serving Suggestions For Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Party Platter Presentation: Spread the salad on a large wooden board with extra buffalo sauce on the side, creating a colorful and inviting shared meal perfect for game day gatherings.
• Wrap It Up: Transform the salad into a portable lunch by rolling the buffalo chicken mixture and vegetables into a soft tortilla or lettuce wrap for easy transport and enjoyment.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the salad over quinoa or brown rice to add extra nutrients and create a more substantial meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Crunchy Topping Twist: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, toasted almonds, or crushed crackers on top to add a delightful crunch and elevate the salad's texture and flavor profile.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad delivers a spicy kickoff to classic comfort food with crisp greens and tangy protein. Cool ranch dressing and crunchy celery complete this quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Vegetables:

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup diced red onion

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly glazed for maximum flavor intensity.
2. Create a vibrant base by layering crisp romaine lettuce, thinly sliced celery, julienned carrots, and finely chopped red onion in a serving bowl.
3. Generously distribute the spicy buffalo-infused chicken over the fresh vegetable medley.
4. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese across the salad for a tangy, creamy element.
5. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the entire salad, allowing it to cascade through the ingredients.
6. Gently toss the components or serve in elegant layers to preserve the distinct textures and colors.
7. Finish with a delicate seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Notes

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your buffalo chicken salad.
• Choose full-fat blue cheese for a richer, more authentic buffalo wing experience.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce or mixing mild and hot sauces.
• Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg