The Spiciest Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Crisp greens meet spicy buffalo chicken in a salad that ignites taste buds with bold flavor.

This buffalo chicken salad recipe brings a zesty twist to your lunch routine.

Tender chicken pieces coated in tangy buffalo sauce dance atop a bed of fresh, crunchy lettuce.

Cool ranch dressing balances the heat, creating a harmonious blend of textures and temperatures.

Packed with protein and bursting with kick, this salad turns an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of spice and freshness that will keep you coming back for more.

Salad Tips for Buffalo Flavor

• Adjust Buffalo sauce intensity by mixing with ranch or using mild hot sauce for those who prefer less spice.
• Cook and shred chicken in advance, storing separately from salad ingredients to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for vegetarian-friendly protein alternatives.
• Add crispy tortilla strips or toasted sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor dimension.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens to reduce overall carbohydrate content for diet-conscious eaters.

Variations for Spicy Chicken Salad

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Salad: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower florets tossed in Buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Tofu Buffalo Salad: Swap chicken with crispy tofu cubes marinated in Buffalo sauce for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Use lettuce leaves instead of mixed greens, creating a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the salad.
• Mediterranean Buffalo Chicken Salad: Add cucumber, olives, and feta cheese, replacing blue cheese with a lighter Mediterranean-inspired dressing.

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Party Platter Magic: Spread the buffalo chicken salad on a large wooden board with extra dressing on the side for guests to customize their portions.
• Wrap It Up: Serve the salad inside large lettuce leaves or tortilla wraps for a portable, handheld lunch option that's perfect for picnics or quick meals.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the ingredients in a glass jar or bowl with quinoa or brown rice at the bottom for a hearty, nutrient-packed meal that keeps you full longer.
• Crunchy Topping Twist: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, toasted breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers on top to add an extra crunch and textural dimension to the salad.

Storage Advice for Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Store leftover Buffalo chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Keep chicken, vegetables, and greens in different containers to maintain freshness and crisp texture.
• Warm Buffalo chicken gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Add fresh greens when serving to maintain crispness.
• If salad seems dry after storage, drizzle with a little extra Buffalo sauce or dressing to revive flavors before serving.

FAQs

• What is Buffalo sauce made of?

Buffalo sauce is a simple mixture of hot sauce (typically Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter, creating a tangy and spicy coating for chicken.

• Can I make this salad less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing to tone down the heat while maintaining the classic Buffalo flavor.

• Is blue cheese necessary for this salad?

While blue cheese adds a signature tang, you can substitute with feta or skip cheese entirely if you’re not a fan of strong-flavored cheeses.

• What are good protein alternatives to chicken?

Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even crispy chickpeas to create a different version of this Buffalo-style salad.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad’s Big Perks

• Whip Up Quickly: This Buffalo chicken salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Pack a Flavor Punch: Combines the classic Buffalo wing taste with fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy dressing for a satisfying and zesty meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Option: Appeals to both health-conscious eaters and those craving bold, spicy flavors, making it a versatile dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Ingredients at a Glance

• Chicken: Shredded protein that serves as the main star of the buffalo-style salad.
• Blue Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a rich flavor complement to the buffalo chicken.

• Mixed Greens, Lettuce: Crisp base that provides a fresh foundation for the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy red vegetables that add color and brightness.
• Shredded Carrots, Diced Celery: Crunchy vegetables that contribute texture and additional nutrition.

• Buffalo Sauce: Spicy and zesty sauce that coats the chicken with classic buffalo flavor.
• Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy dressings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and elevate the salad's flavors.

How to Toss Buffalo Chicken Salad

Step 1: Shred and Sauce the Chicken

Grab your cooked chicken and tear it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Pour Buffalo sauce over the shredded chicken and mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece gets a spicy, tangy coating.

Step 2: Create a Vibrant Salad Base

Spread fresh mixed greens across a wide serving platter or large salad bowl, creating a crisp and colorful foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Layer Colorful Veggie Toppings

• Cherry tomatoes
• Shredded carrots
• Diced celery
• Crumbled blue cheese

Distribute these ingredients evenly across the greens for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Step 4: Add Spicy Chicken Centerpiece

Gently place the Buffalo-sauced chicken on top of the vegetable-laden salad, creating an enticing focal point that promises bold, zesty flavor.

Step 5: Dress and Season

Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the entire salad.

Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Carefully mix all ingredients together, ensuring each bite has a perfect blend of spicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing.

Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and vibrant.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Buffalo chicken salad delivers zesty southwestern flair with crispy chicken, creamy ranch, and spicy buffalo sauce. Cool lettuce and tangy toppings create perfect balance for quick weeknight dinners you can enjoy without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (475 milliliters) cooked shredded chicken
• 4 cups (950 milliliters) mixed greens

Sauce and Dressing:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ranch or blue cheese dressing

Vegetables and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) diced celery
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) crumbled blue cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Shred chicken thoroughly and coat with zesty Buffalo sauce, ensuring even distribution of spicy flavor.
2. Layer a generous bed of crisp mixed greens on a spacious serving platter.
3. Scatter vibrant cherry tomatoes, delicate shredded carrots, and crunchy diced celery across the greens.
4. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the vegetable medley for a tangy accent.
5. Carefully arrange Buffalo-sauced chicken on top of the salad, creating an appealing presentation.
6. Drizzle creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing in a zigzag pattern for optimal coverage.
7. Finish with a light dusting of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
8. Gently toss ingredients to blend flavors without bruising the delicate greens, and serve chilled for maximum freshness.

Notes

• Adjust Buffalo sauce intensity by mixing in a bit of honey or adding more hot sauce to suit personal heat preferences.
• Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if you’re not a fan of strong-flavored cheeses or want a milder option.
• Enhance protein content by adding hard-boiled eggs or grilled tofu for vegetarian and protein-boosting alternatives.
• Prep chicken ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for quick meal assembly during busy weekdays, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg