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A Buffalo chicken salad with crispy chicken tenders drizzled in Buffalo sauce, topped with blue cheese crumbles, served on a bed of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, celery, and carrots.

Buffalo Chicken Salad


  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

This Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and fresh. Featuring juicy buffalo-seasoned chicken, crisp greens, crunchy veggies, and a drizzle of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, it’s a versatile dish that works as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even meal prep for the week.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Buffalo Chicken:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for extra richness)

For the salad base:

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula, or a mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced (optional)

For the toppings:

  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (or shredded cheddar, if you prefer)
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (or more, to taste)
  • Tortilla strips or croutons for crunch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Buffalo chicken:
    In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce and melted butter (if using). Stir until the chicken is well coated. If the chicken is cold, you can warm it in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or microwave it briefly before mixing with the sauce.

  2. Assemble the salad:
    In a large serving bowl or on individual plates, arrange the salad greens as the base. Layer on the cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, celery, red onion, and cucumber.

  3. Add the Buffalo chicken:
    Spoon the saucy Buffalo chicken over the top of the salad.

  4. Top it off:
    Sprinkle the salad with crumbled blue cheese (or cheddar), add avocado slices, and top with tortilla strips or croutons, if desired.

  5. Dress and serve:
    Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold flavors of this spicy and refreshing dish!

Notes

  • Make it lighter: Use grilled or baked chicken breast instead of shredded chicken for a lower-calorie option. You can also opt for a light dressing.
  • Spice level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce to the chicken. For extra spice, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
  • Meal prep tip: Store the salad ingredients and Buffalo chicken separately in airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes (if warming chicken)
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Tossing and Assembly
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Salad, Spicy Chicken Salad, Healthy Lunch Recipe, Low-Carb Salad