Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe – A Healthy and Flavorful Meal
Need a meal that’s quick, easy, and healthy? This buffalo chicken salad recipe is perfect! It has tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing. It’s a favorite in many homes.
This salad is super versatile. You can put it in a sandwich, wrap, or enjoy it with crackers. It’s easy to make and full of good stuff, making it great for lunch or dinner.
To make this tasty salad, you need about two cups of cooked, shredded chicken. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before shredding. Then, mix it with Frank’s Red Hot Wings Buffalo Sauce for that buffalo taste.
Add crisp celery, green onions, fresh dill, and a creamy mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. A bit of white vinegar and lemon juice adds a tangy touch. This salad is perfect for meal prep, staying fresh for 3-4 days.
It’s also a great choice for a healthy meal. With 470 calories per serving, it’s full of nutrients. It’s a tasty way to keep your diet balanced.
Key Takeaways:
- This buffalo chicken salad recipe is easy to make, healthy, and packed with bold flavors.
- Use Frank’s Red Hot Wings Buffalo Sauce for authentic buffalo taste.
- The salad can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in a sandwich, wrap, or with crackers.
- Prepared buffalo chicken saladLasts well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making itideal for meal prepping.
- Each serving contains a balanced mix of nutrients, with 470 calories per serving.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Salad
A delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad starts with the right ingredients. The star is shredded chicken, made by cooking chicken breast with buffalo wing sauce. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly, too to save time.
For the salad base, choose fresh greens like crisp romaine lettuce or a mix of your favorite lettuce varieties. Enhance the color and crunch with shredded carrots and cherry tomatoes. Creamy avocado adds a satisfying richness, while chopped cilantro brings a bright, fresh flavor.
Dressing Options
Ranch dressing is the classic pairing with buffalo chicken salad. But, if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt ranch or a low-fat dressing. You can even make your own dressing by combining Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, and a touch of milk for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 3 cups |
| Celery, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Green onion, sliced | 3 tbsp |
| Red onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Avocado oil mayo | 1/2 cup |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1/4 cup |
| Buffalo sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Sea salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | Dash |
This recipe yields about 12 cups of salad, serving 4 people. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use regular mayo instead of avocado oil mayo or substitute canned chicken for the rotisserie chicken.
The combination of avocado oil mayo and Greek yogurt in the recipe indicates a focus on healthier alternatives to traditional mayonnaise for a lighter salad dressing option.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering Buffalo Chicken Salad that’s sure to become a family favorite.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Making a delicious buffalo chicken salad is easy. Just a few steps can turn it into a tasty meal for lunch or dinner. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare the Chicken
First, cook the chicken.You can opt for pre-cooked chicken or cook fresh chicken breast in the oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F. Then, shred the chicken and mix it with buffalo sauce like Frank’s Red HotAdd seasoning with onion and garlic powders, seasoning with salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
Assemble the Salad
Now, it’s time to put the salad together. Start with fresh greens like collard greens or romaine lettuce in a bowl. Add shredded carrots, diced celery, and green onions for crunch. Then, top with the buffalo chicken, spreading it out evenly.
Drizzle with Ranch Dressing
Finally, add the dressing.Traditional ranch dressing is one option, but you could also try other flavors use Greek yogurt ranch or a low-fat vinaigrette. Just enough dressing is needed to add flavor without overpowering. If ranch isn’t your thing, try blue cheese dressing or olive oil and lemon juice.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Shredded chicken | 2 cups |
| Buffalo sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Greek yogurt | 2 tablespoons |
| Avocado oil mayo | 2 tablespoons |
By following these steps, you can make a tasty and healthy buffalo chicken salad. It’s perfect for any time of day. This recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Variations and Add-Ons for Buffalo Chicken Salad
Want to mix up your buffalo chicken salad? Here are some tasty variations and add-ons to keep it fresh and healthy.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad
Make your salad healthier by using low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt in the dressing. This change cuts calories and adds protein. Using 0% Greek yogurt can lower calories to 199 per serving. Try using less cheese or choose a lower-fat option to reduce calories and fat further.
Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap
Turn your salad into a wrap for a quick, easy meal. Use whole-wheat tortillas or large lettuce leaves as the base. Add buffalo chicken, veggies, and ranch dressing. This is great for lunches or dinners on the go. Lettuce wraps are also lower in carbs.
Buffalo Chicken Salad Meal Prep
Make meal prep easier by cooking a big batch of buffalo chicken salad ingredients. Cook and shred chicken, chop veggies, and store them in airtight containers. Assemble your salad and add dressing when you’re ready. This way, you have healthy meals ready all week.
| Ingredient | Prep Tips | Storage Time |
| Buffalo Chicken | Cook and shred chicken, toss with 3 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce | 3-4 days in the fridge |
| Salad Greens | Wash and chop romaine or mixed greens | 3-5 days in the fridge |
| Veggies | Chop carrots, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes | 3-5 days in the fridge |
| Ranch Dressing | Mix 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt with Hidden Valley ranch seasoning | 5-7 days in the fridge |
Prep your buffalo chicken salad ingredients in advance and store them in airtight containers. This way, you can enjoy it all week. Just keep everything separate in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
Tips for Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Salad
Making the perfect buffalo chicken salad is all about customizing it to your tastes. You can adjust the spice level, greens, and dressing to your liking. Here are some tips to help you create the ultimate buffalo chicken salad:
Adjusting Spice Level
One of the best things about making your own buffalo chicken salad is that you can control the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce when cooking the chicken. For a spicier kick, add more sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper.You can balance the spiciness by adding a hint of sweetness drizzle of honey or lemon juice to the salad.
Choosing the Right Greens
Romaine lettuce is a popular choice for buffalo chicken salad because it holds up well under the weight of the chicken and other toppings. However, you can also use mixed greens or spinach if you prefer. Just keep in mind that more delicate greens may wilt faster, so it’s best to add the dressing right before serving.
Customizing the Dressing
Ranch dressing is a classic pairing for buffalo chicken, but you can make it healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. To make your own Greek yogurt ranch dressing, mix together:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
To give it an extra kick, throw in some blue cheese crumbles to the dressing or sprinkle them on top of the salad. The creamy, sour taste of blue cheese pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo chicken and cool, crisp romaine.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate buffalo chicken salad. Don’t be afraid so that you may discover the ideal blend by experimenting with various tastes and components. for your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve your buffalo chicken salad. For a hearty meal, place it in a large bowl. This lets all the tasty ingredients stand out. At a party, serve it as a chopped salad for easy serving.
Adding crunch to your meal is easy. Try whole-grain crackers, crisp celery, or cucumber slices. They contrast well with the chicken and dressing, and are healthier than chips.
For a complete meal, add a light vegetable soup or a fruit smoothie. These can cool down the buffalo sauce’s heat.They provide your diet with essential nutrients as well.
Need a quick, portable lunch? Stuff the salad into a wrap or sandwich. This way, you can enjoy the flavors and textures without utensils. Feel free to get creative with your presentation and try new pairings.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make buffalo chicken salad?
To make buffalo chicken salad, you’ll need shredded chicken breast cooked with buffalo wing sauce. Add fresh greens like romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget creamy avocado.
Using leftover or rotisserie chicken saves time. Choose ranch dressing for a classic taste, or go for Greek yogurt ranch for a healthier option. Chopped cilantro adds a fresh touch.
How do I make buffalo chicken salad?
Start by cooking or reheating shredded chicken breast. Mix it with buffalo sauce like Frank’s Red Hot. Season with pepper, salt, and onion and garlic powders.for extra flavor.
Layer fresh greens, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and the buffalo chicken in a bowl. Drizzle with ranch dressing, but use just enough. Yogurt ranch or vinaigrettes are great alternatives for a lighter taste.
How can I make a healthier version of buffalo chicken salad?
For a healthier buffalo chicken salad, use low-fat Greek yogurt in the dressing. Use less cheese and consider using tortillas or lettuce leaves for a wrap. Keep the salad, dressing, and chicken in different containers. in the fridge for meal prep.
Can I customize my buffalo chicken salad?
Yes! You can customize your buffalo chicken salad to your liking. Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce. Try romaine lettuce, mixed greens, or spinach.
Make your own ranch dressing with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, fresh dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add blue cheese crumbles if you prefer. Use Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce for authentic flavor.
What are some serving suggestions for buffalo chicken salad?
Serve buffalo chicken salad in a large bowl for a filling meal. Or, chop it up for a party. Pair it with whole-grain crackers, celery sticks, or cucumber slices for extra crunch.
A light vegetable soup or fresh fruit smoothie complements it well. You can also stuff it into wraps or sandwiches for a convenient snack.
buffalo-chicken-salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl For tossing salad ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons To measure seasonings and dressing.
- Tongs For mixing and serving the salad.
- Knife For chopping vegetables like avocado and greens.
- Cutting Board For preparing vegetables and slicing chicken.
- Skillet (optional) For cooking or reheating chicken if needed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded cooked chicken (can use rotisserie or pre-cooked)
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce
- 4 cups Fresh greens (like romaine or mixed lettuce)
- 1/2 cup Shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 unit Avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup Ranch dressing (or preferred dressing)
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 unit Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Toss until the chicken is well coated. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the fresh greens, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
Add the Chicken
- Place the buffalo-coated chicken on top of the salad mixture.
Season the Salad
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the salad to taste.
Drizzle with Dressing
- Add ranch or your preferred dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine, or serve with the dressing on the side if preferred.
Serve
- Divide the salad into four servings and enjoy immediately.