If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes – spicy, creamy, crunchy, and satisfying – this Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe is your answer! This isn’t just another boring salad; it’s a flavor explosion that brings the heat of classic buffalo wings to a protein-packed, wholesome meal.
Table of Contents
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Perfect balance of flavors – The tangy buffalo sauce perfectly complements the cool, creamy dressing without overwhelming your palate
- Quick and convenient – Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to cook
- Versatile serving options – Works beautifully as a sandwich filling, wrapped in tortillas, or served on a bed of crisp greens
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. The tender chicken soaks up the buffalo sauce, while fresh vegetables add necessary crunch and the dressing brings everything together with its rich creaminess.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for game day gatherings, this Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with homemade wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your buffalo chicken cravings in a slightly healthier format that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Salad:
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayo for a richer option)
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Crumbled bacon
- Extra blue cheese
- Diced avocado
- Crunchy romaine lettuce
Pro tip: For the best flavor balance, choose a mid-range buffalo sauce – not too mild (or you’ll miss that signature tang) and not too spicy (unless you’re a heat enthusiast).
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe: Step-by-Step
Let’s dive into creating this flavor-packed Buffalo Chicken Salad! I’ve broken down the process into simple steps anyone can follow, even if you’re new to cooking.
1. Prepare Your Chicken
First things first, you need perfectly cooked, tender chicken:
- Option A: Use 3 cups of rotisserie chicken for incredible convenience
- Option B: Cook 1½ pounds of chicken breasts until they reach 165°F internally
- Let the chicken cool enough to handle, then shred it using two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces
2. Create the Buffalo Coating
This is where the signature flavor happens:
- In a large mixing bowl, pour ½ cup buffalo sauce over your shredded chicken
- Toss thoroughly until every piece is generously coated
- The warm chicken will absorb the sauce better, so don’t wait until it’s completely cold
3. Prep Your Vegetables
Fresh veggies add essential crunch and color:
- Finely dice ¼ cup celery (about 1-2 stalks)
- Chop ¼ cup red onion into small pieces
- Shred or julienne ¼ cup carrots
- Thinly slice the green onions
4. Mix the Creamy Dressing
Now for that cooling, creamy element:
- In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, blue cheese, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice
- Whisk until smooth and well-blended
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
5. Bring Everything Together
Time to create magic:
- Add all your prepared vegetables to the buffalo-coated chicken
- Pour in the creamy dressing
- Gently fold everything together until well combined but not overmixed
6. Final Touch
- Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
- This resting time allows the flavors to develop and harmonize beautifully
That’s it! Your Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe is ready to enjoy in a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce, or simply eaten with a fork. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, cool creamy dressing, and fresh vegetables creates an irresistible meal you’ll want to make again and again!
Clara’s Tip! for Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe
The secret to taking your Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe from good to absolutely spectacular lies in the details! After years of tweaking this recipe, I’ve discovered a few game-changing tricks:
Marinate your chicken in buttermilk before cooking. If you’re preparing chicken specifically for this recipe, try soaking it in buttermilk for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This simple step makes your chicken incredibly tender and adds a subtle tangy undertone that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Layer your flavors strategically. Instead of mixing all the buffalo sauce at once:
- Toss the chicken with ⅔ of the sauce immediately after cooking while it’s still warm
- Add the remaining ⅓ just before combining with the dressing for a fresh flavor boost
Balance the heat. Buffalo sauce packs a punch, but you don’t want it overpowering everything else. Add a teaspoon of honey to your dressing, it won’t make it sweet, just perfectly balanced by taming the vinegar edge of the buffalo sauce.
Let it rest, but serve fresh. This salad reaches peak flavor after resting for 1-2 hours, allowing all those delicious elements to meld together. However, add any crunchy ingredients like celery just before serving to maintain that perfect textural contrast.
Remember, the best Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe has layers of flavor and texture in every bite, taking these extra little steps makes all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Salad
Once you’ve prepared this delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad, the possibilities for serving are wonderfully versatile! Here are my favorite ways to enjoy this flavor-packed creation:
Classic Sandwich
Transform two slices of hearty bread into the ultimate buffalo chicken sandwich:
- Layer with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices
- Add sliced avocado for creamy richness
- Choose sourdough or a sturdy ciabatta that can stand up to the filling
Refreshing Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter, low-carb option that’s perfect for summer:
- Use large butter lettuce or romaine leaves as your wrap
- Add extra crunchy vegetables like cucumber or radish
- Drizzle with a touch more ranch or blue cheese dressing
Party-Ready Buffalo Chicken Dip
Turn this salad into an impressive appetizer:
- Warm it slightly in the oven until just heated through
- Serve with celery sticks, carrot slices, and sturdy crackers
- Watch it disappear at your next gathering!
Power Lunch Bowl
Create a satisfying meal-prep option:
- Start with a base of quinoaa or brown rice
- Add a generous scoop of Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Top with fresh avocado, extra blue cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions
Stuffed Avocados
For an elegant presentation that’s surprisingly simple:
- Halve ripe avocados and remove pits
- Fill the centers with Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Sprinkle with extra blue cheese crumbles and a dash of paprika
Whatever serving style you choose, this Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe brings bold flavor to the table. It’s perfect for meal prep since the flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator (though I find it rarely lasts that long in my house).
How to Store Your Buffalo Chicken Salad Leftovers
One of the best things about this Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe is that it actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld together, creating an even more delicious experience. Here’s how to properly store your leftovers for maximum freshness and flavor:
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Pro tip: Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to maintain freshness
Freezer Option
- Can be frozen for 1-2 months in individual portions
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
Reviving Tips
- Let refrigerated leftovers sit for 10 minutes before serving
- Add a small splash of fresh buffalo sauce to wake up the flavors
- Stir well to redistribute the dressing
Remember to use clean utensils when serving and never leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
FAQs
What goes in a buffalo chicken salad?
Buffalo chicken salad recipes typically contains shredded chicken coated in buffalo sauce, diced celery, carrots, red onions, and a creamy dressing (blue cheese or ranch). Blue cheese crumbles and green onions are common additions that enhance the flavor profile.
What are the main ingredients in chicken salad?
The foundation includes cooked chicken (shredded or diced), a creamy binding agent (mayonnaise or Greek yogurt), crunchy elements like celery, and seasonings. Buffalo chicken salad recipe specifically adds buffalo sauce and complementary ingredients that balance the heat.
What makes buffalo chicken buffalo?
The signature buffalo flavor comes from buffalo sauce – a combination of cayenne pepper hot sauce (typically Frank’s RedHot), butter, vinegar, and seasonings. This sauce, originally from Buffalo, New York, gives the chicken its distinctive tangy, spicy taste and orange-red color.
How to give chicken salad more flavor?
Looking to take your Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe to the next level? Try these flavor-boosting tips:
- Add a splash of pickle juice or lemon juice
- Include fresh herbs like dill or cilantro
- Mix in Dijon mustard for depth
- Incorporate a touch of honey to balance heat
- Let it rest for an hour before serving
- Use freshly ground black pepper
- Add extra blue cheese crumbles
Happy Cooking.
buffalo chicken salad recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 3 sliced green onions
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayo
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare chicken
- Shred or dice cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl.
Combine main ingredients
- Add diced celery, red onion, carrots, and green onions to the chicken.
Mix the dressing
- In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, blue cheese crumbles, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice until well combined.
Add buffalo sauce
- Pour buffalo sauce over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Combine
- Fold in the dressing mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill
- For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve
- Enjoy as a sandwich filling, in lettuce wraps, or on a bed of greens. Garnish with additional blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 298
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 87mg
- Sodium: 642mg
- Sugar: 2g