Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe: Tangy & Fresh Delight

Whipping up a mouthwatering buffalo chicken salad takes less than twenty minutes and delivers bold, zesty flavors that dance across your plate.

Fresh ingredients combine for a knockout meal bursting with protein and kick.

Crisp lettuce provides the perfect base for tender, spicy chicken chunks.

Creamy blue cheese crumbles add rich, tangy notes that complement the fiery buffalo sauce.

Crunchy celery and green onions introduce delightful texture to each refreshing bite.

Quick assembly means you can satisfy those spicy cravings in a flash.

Dive into this simple, crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become your new favorite lunch solution.

Keep Buffalo Chicken Salad Cold and Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer the chicken mixture to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm the salad in the microwave using short 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each burst to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.
  • If the salad seems dry after storing, add a small amount of fresh ranch dressing or Buffalo sauce to revive the moisture and flavor before serving.

FAQs

  • Is Buffalo sauce very spicy?

Buffalo sauce can range from mild to hot. Adjust the amount of sauce to control the spiciness level. Start with less sauce and add more gradually to suit your taste preference.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute shredded chicken with pulled pork, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The Buffalo sauce works well with various protein choices.

  • What if I don't like blue cheese?

No problem! You can replace blue cheese with ranch crumbles, cheddar cheese, or simply omit the cheese altogether. The salad will still be flavorful with the Buffalo sauce and other ingredients.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Salad Stands Out

  • Whip Up Quickly: This recipe takes minimal prep time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals when hunger strikes.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust spice levels by changing the amount of Buffalo sauce, making it adaptable for different taste preferences.
  • Pack with Nutrition: Loaded with protein from chicken and packed with fresh vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal option.
  • Versatile Serving Styles: Enjoy as a salad, sandwich filling, or dip, giving you multiple delicious ways to savor this zesty chicken creation.

Everything You Need for Buffalo Chicken Salad

Protein Base:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for this salad.
Sauce and Dressing:
  • Buffalo Sauce: Provides a spicy and tangy kick to the chicken.
  • Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess and helps blend the flavors together.
Vegetable Blend:
  • Celery, Red Onion, Carrots: Crisp vegetables that contribute crunch and freshness to the salad.
  • Blue Cheese: Optional ingredient that brings a sharp and creamy flavor to the dish.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the Buffalo Chicken Salad.

How to Make This Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Shred and Sauce the Chicken

Grab your cooked chicken and break it into bite-sized pieces.

Pour Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing over the chicken.

Toss everything together until the chicken is completely drenched in spicy, creamy goodness.

Step 2: Chop and Toss Vegetables

Dice up your fresh veggies into small, crunchy pieces:
  • Crisp celery
  • Zesty red onion
  • Sweet carrots

Add these colorful vegetables to the saucy chicken mixture.

Stir everything until the veggies are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Enhance with Seasonings

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to elevate the flavors.

Mix gently to ensure the seasonings are well incorporated throughout the salad.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Get creative with your serving options.

Spread the Buffalo chicken salad over a bed of crisp green lettuce, stuff it into a soft sandwich roll, or serve alongside crunchy crackers.

The tangy, spicy salad is ready to satisfy your hunger and kick your taste buds into high gear.

Key Tips for Buffalo Chicken Salad Preparation

  • Adjust Buffalo sauce intensity by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for quicker assembly and enhanced flavor depth.
  • Incorporate extra veggies like diced bell peppers or cucumber for added crunch and health benefits.
  • Add crispy ingredients like chopped almonds or croutons right before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
  • Replace blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles or dietary needs.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Styles Worth Exploring

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace ranch dressing and blue cheese with vegan mayo and cashew crumbles for a lactose-free version.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Swap Buffalo sauce with mild hot sauce or use half the amount for those sensitive to heat.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip crackers and bread, serve over crisp lettuce or spinach leaves for a keto-friendly meal.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the Buffalo sauce flavor profile.

What to Eat With Buffalo Chicken Salad

  • Zesty Party Platter: Spread the buffalo chicken salad on a large platter with crispy tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrot strips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or gatherings.
  • Cool Wrap Sensation: Wrap the spicy chicken mixture in large lettuce leaves or flour tortillas for a light, portable lunch that packs a flavor punch and keeps things interesting.
  • Loaded Potato Topper: Spoon the buffalo chicken salad over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty, protein-rich meal that transforms a simple side into a delicious main course.
  • Crisp Salad Base: Layer the buffalo chicken salad over mixed greens, add some crunchy cucumber slices, and drizzle extra ranch for a refreshing and satisfying low-carb meal option.
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Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

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

Spicy buffalo chicken salad delivers zesty comfort on a crisp bed of greens. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors combine for a quick, satisfying meal you can enjoy without extensive kitchen preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Sauces and Dressings:

  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)

Vegetables and Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss shredded chicken with tangy Buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing until every morsel is evenly glazed and vibrant.
  2. Incorporate crisp, diced celery, sharp red onion, and julienned carrots into the chicken mixture, creating a textural harmony.
  3. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese throughout the salad for an intense, pungent flavor profile if desired.
  4. Season the ensemble with a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the overall taste.
  5. Serve the zesty buffalo chicken salad atop fresh, crisp salad greens, nestled between soft sandwich bread, or alongside crunchy crackers for a versatile meal option.

Notes

  • Swap out ranch for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed dressing with reduced calories.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting Buffalo sauce quantity, allowing flexible spice tolerance for different palates.
  • Prep chicken in advance by using rotisserie or slow-cooker methods for faster, more convenient meal assembly.
  • Transform this recipe into a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice or mixed greens instead of traditional bread or crackers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling

Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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