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
- Ingredients Needed
- How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe: Step-by-Step
- Clara’s Tip! for Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe
- Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Salad
- How to Store Your Buffalo Chicken Salad Leftovers
- FAQs
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!
