Zippy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe: Tangy Lunchtime Joy

Whipping up a delightful buffalo chicken salad requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Crunchy greens provide the perfect canvas for zesty protein.

Tangy buffalo sauce adds a kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Crisp vegetables complement the tender chicken pieces beautifully.

Simple ingredients merge into a mouthwatering dish that satisfies serious cravings.

Healthy and quick, this recipe promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Jump in and create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Buffalo Chicken Salad That Packs A Punch

• Quick Prep Magic: Toss together chicken and buffalo sauce in minutes, creating a zesty base that's bursting with flavor without complicated cooking steps.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this protein-packed salad in wraps, over crisp greens, or between slices of bread, making it perfect for lunch, picnics, or casual gatherings.
• Customizable Comfort: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the dish, adjust buffalo sauce intensity, or add extra crunch with additional celery for a personalized touch that suits every taste preference.
• No-Fuss Meal Solution: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique transform leftover chicken into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that requires zero culinary expertise.

Ingredients For Tangy Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the buffalo chicken salad.

• Buffalo Sauce: Classic spicy sauce that gives the signature tangy and hot flavor to the chicken.
• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy ingredient that helps bind the salad and adds richness.

• Celery: Crisp vegetable that adds a refreshing crunch and light flavor to the salad.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, herbal note and green color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.
• Blue Cheese: Optional ingredient that contributes a sharp, tangy flavor to the salad.

Assembling Buffalo Chicken Salad Stepwise

Step 1: Shred and Coat Chicken

Grab your cooked chicken and break it into small, bite-sized pieces using two forks. Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken and gently toss until every piece is perfectly covered with that zesty, spicy goodness.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Chopped celery
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Fresh parsley

Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined and create a smooth, tangy mixture.

Step 3: Season and Enhance Flavors

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to elevate the taste profile.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to make sure the flavors pop.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

You have two delicious options here.

Either let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together, or serve it right away if you can’t wait.

Step 5: Create Your Perfect Presentation

• Wrapped in soft tortillas.
• Served over crisp salad greens.
• Nestled between slices of toasted sandwich bread.
• As a dip with crackers or chips.

Flavor Enhancers For Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to create a lighter, protein-packed version with fewer calories.
• Prep chicken in advance by using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for quicker assembly.
• Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by adding more or less depending on your spice tolerance and preference.
• Consider adding diced red onions or green onions for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping salad fresh and ready to enjoy.

Different Takes On Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Protein Swap Buffalo Salad: Replace chicken with canned tuna or shredded turkey for a quick protein alternative.
• Vegetarian Buffalo Bowl: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower, using same buffalo sauce technique for plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Buffalo Lettuce Cups: Skip bread and serve mixture inside crisp lettuce leaves for lighter, keto-friendly option.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Customize buffalo sauce intensity by mixing mild hot sauce with sriracha or using different pepper-based sauces for varied heat profiles.

Ideal Pairings For Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Spicy Lettuce Cups: Scoop the buffalo chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, refreshing twist that adds crunch and lightness to the zesty dish.
• Loaded Potato Skins: Stuff the buffalo chicken salad into baked potato skins, topping with extra blue cheese crumbles for a hearty appetizer that packs a flavor punch.
• Tailgate Slider Sensation: Pile the buffalo chicken salad onto mini slider buns, adding a slice of pepper jack cheese for an extra kick perfect for game day gatherings.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Bowl: Layer the buffalo chicken salad over quinoa or brown rice, garnishing with sliced green onions and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a satisfying meal.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the salad fresh and tasty.
• Cover the container tightly to prevent the buffalo chicken salad from absorbing other food odors.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as mayonnaise and celery will separate and lose their original texture when thawed.
• Reheat gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the chicken and follow the recipe as instructed.

• How spicy is this buffalo chicken salad?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. For milder taste, choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount. For extra heat, add more sauce or use a hot variety.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

This buffalo chicken salad is naturally low-carb. You can serve it in lettuce wraps, on top of greens, or with low-carb crackers to keep it diet-friendly.

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful Buffalo Chicken Salad combines zesty flavors with crisp greens and spicy protein. Creamy dressing and crunchy toppings create a perfect balance for quick, satisfying meals you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Buffalo Flavor Components:

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Binding and Fresh Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until every strand is thoroughly coated and glistening with spicy flavor.
2. Incorporate creamy mayonnaise or tangy Greek yogurt into the chicken mixture, ensuring smooth and even distribution.
3. Fold in crisp, finely chopped celery for a refreshing crunch that complements the rich chicken.
4. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese throughout the salad, adding a sharp and distinctive flavor profile.
5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous note.
6. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, or serve immediately for a quicker meal.
8. Versatile serving options include nestling the salad in crisp lettuce wraps, spreading over crisp salad greens, or stuffing between slices of artisan bread.

Notes

• Keep buffalo sauce intensity flexible by gradually adding it to control heat level for different spice tolerances.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed, lower-calorie version that maintains creamy texture.
• Choose rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or use leftover grilled chicken to reduce cooking time and add extra flavor.
• Balance buffalo sauce’s heat with a touch of honey or ranch dressing if the spiciness becomes overwhelming for sensitive palates.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 255 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg