Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect way to enjoy all the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo wings in a lighter and more refreshing form. With crispy lettuce, juicy chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce, crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing, this salad has the best of both worlds—comfort food and fresh nourishment.
It’s hearty enough to be a main meal but light enough to keep things balanced. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or even at gatherings, this salad never fails to impress.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it captures the zesty, spicy kick of buffalo chicken while pairing it with refreshing, crisp vegetables. Every bite is a burst of flavor—spicy, creamy, crunchy, and tangy all at once.
What makes it even better is that it’s so versatile—you can make it with grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s a healthier way to enjoy buffalo chicken without deep frying, and it always feels satisfying without being heavy.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- A healthier take on buffalo wings—lighter, fresher, and nutrient-packed.
- Customizable to your spice preference (mild or fiery).
- Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or parties.
- Combines the comfort of buffalo chicken with the freshness of salad.
Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving (varies with dressing and toppings)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Salad, Main Course
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Salad:
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Dressing Options:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Or a light Greek yogurt ranch
Simple Cooking Directions
- Season and cook chicken.
- Toss chicken in buffalo sauce.
- Chop vegetables and prepare salad base.
- Assemble salad, top with buffalo chicken, cheese, and dressing.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare the Chicken – Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken – Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes per side or until internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Buffalo Glaze – Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce until well coated. Slice into strips.
- Prepare the Salad Base – In a large bowl, add romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, onion, and avocado.
- Add Chicken & Cheese – Top with buffalo chicken strips and sprinkle with cheddar or blue cheese.
- Dress & Serve – Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
How to Serve
- Serve in individual salad bowls or one large platter for sharing.
- Garnish with extra buffalo sauce or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Pair with garlic bread, baked potato wedges, or corn on the cob.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Cook extra chicken and store separately for quick salads throughout the week.
- If you like it extra spicy, drizzle more buffalo sauce on top.
- For a lighter option, swap ranch with Greek yogurt ranch.
- Add crunchy toppings like tortilla strips, croutons, or roasted chickpeas.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap – Wrap salad in a tortilla for an on-the-go meal.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Salad – Replace chicken with buffalo-roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.
- Buffalo Shrimp Salad – Swap chicken with grilled shrimp coated in buffalo sauce.
- Low-Carb Version – Skip croutons/tortilla strips and load up on extra veggies.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage (Fridge): Store chicken separately for up to 3 days. Assemble salad fresh before serving.
- Freezing: Cooked buffalo chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding to salad.
Special Equipment Needed
- Grill pan or skillet
- Salad bowl
- Tongs & sharp knife
Conclusion
The Buffalo Chicken Salad is a bold, refreshing, and satisfying dish that transforms the classic buffalo wing flavor into a wholesome meal. With spicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and plenty of texture, it’s a dish that will win over salad lovers and skeptics alike. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer gatherings, this salad is a must-try for anyone who loves a kick of spice in their meals.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Description
Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect way to enjoy all the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo wings in a lighter and more refreshing form. With crispy lettuce, juicy chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce, crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing, this salad has the best of both worlds—comfort food and fresh nourishment.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Salad:
Dressing Options:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken :– Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Cook the Chicken :– Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes per side or until internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C).
-
Buffalo Glaze :– Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce until well coated. Slice into strips.
-
Prepare the Salad Base :– In a large bowl, add romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, onion, and avocado.
-
Add Chicken & Cheese :– Top with buffalo chicken strips and sprinkle with cheddar or blue cheese.
-
Dress & Serve :– Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
