Name: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped; 1/3 cup buffalo sauce; 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing; 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for cooking); Salt and pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and completely customizable. The spicy buffalo chicken contrasts beautifully with the cool crunch of lettuce, celery, and cucumbers, while a creamy dressing ties everything together. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and can easily be adapted to your dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthy game-day dish or a weekday lunch with a kick, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
Buffalo sauce
Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
Celery stalks
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Red onion (optional)
Blue cheese or ranch dressing
Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Olive oil (for cooking, if needed)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, warm the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until heated through. Set aside to cool slightly.
Wash and chop the lettuce or greens, and place them in a large bowl.
Slice the celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, and add to the bowl.
Add the buffalo chicken to the salad.
Drizzle with your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Top with crumbled blue cheese, if desired.
Toss everything gently to combine and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 2 to 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes (if reheating chicken)
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Substitute buffalo sauce with a milder wing sauce if preferred.
Add avocado or hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.
Swap blue cheese for feta or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
Make it a wrap by rolling the salad in a tortilla.

Storage/Reheating

Store components separately for best results. Keep the buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Vegetables and greens should be stored dry to avoid sogginess. Assemble the salad just before serving. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warm.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for Buffalo Chicken Salad?

Cooked and shredded chicken breast is most commonly used, but grilled or rotisserie chicken works well too.

Is Buffalo Chicken Salad spicy?

It can be, depending on the brand and amount of buffalo sauce used. Adjust to your taste preference.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the chicken, vegetables, and dressing stored separately until you’re ready to eat.

What dressing pairs best with buffalo chicken?

Blue cheese and ranch are classic choices, but you can use yogurt-based or dairy-free options too.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely—romaine, iceberg, spinach, or spring mix all work well.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for keto with the right dressing.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just use a dairy-free dressing and skip the blue cheese topping.

How do I make buffalo sauce?

Combine hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter or oil for a quick homemade version.

Can I serve it warm?

Yes, serving the buffalo chicken warm over cool greens offers a great temperature contrast.

What can I serve with this salad?

It’s great on its own, but you can add a side of garlic bread, sweet potato fries, or a light soup.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Salad is a fiery, flavorful dish that brings together the boldness of buffalo wings with the freshness of a crisp salad. It’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re eating light or looking for a meal with some spice, this salad is sure to hit the spot.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

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Buffalo Chicken Salad is a zesty, high-protein salad combining spicy buffalo chicken with crisp vegetables and creamy dressing—perfect for a bold, satisfying meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2-4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, warm the chicken with buffalo sauce until heated through. Set aside to cool slightly.
Wash and chop the greens and place in a large bowl.
Add sliced celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Add the buffalo chicken on top of the salad.
Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese, if using.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Notes

For less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder wing sauce.
Use rotisserie or grilled chicken for convenience.
To keep it dairy-free, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg