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If you’re looking for the best Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe, this is it! This salad is a perfect blend of spicy Buffalo chicken, crisp greens, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. Whether you’re craving a healthy, high-protein meal or a low-carb, keto-friendly option, this Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe has everything you need.
Buffalo chicken is famous for its spicy and tangy kick, but when paired with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles, it turns into a flavor-packed dish that’s great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes
High in Protein – Perfect for fitness goals and meal prep
Customizable – Adjust spice levels, toppings, and dressing
Healthy & Low-Carb – Can be made keto or gluten-free
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
A classic Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe includes:
Buffalo dressing – Homemade or store-bought for a perfect balance
Buffalo chicken – Tender grilled chicken coated in spicy Buffalo sauce
Fresh greens – Romaine, iceberg lettuce, or a mix of both
Crunchy veggies – Celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and red onions
Cheese – Blue cheese crumbles or shredded cheddar
The Key Ingredients for the Best Flavor
| Ingredient | Purpose in Salad |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Adds protein and juicy texture |
| Buffalo Sauce | Spicy, tangy kick to the chicken |
| Celery & Carrots | Adds crunch and freshness |
| Blue Cheese | Creamy and tangy flavor contrast |
| Ranch Dressing | Balances heat with creaminess |
Want to customize your salad? Add extras like avocado, crispy bacon, or tortilla strips for more texture!
What Makes It Buffalo Chicken?
The Origin of Buffalo Chicken Flavor
The Buffalo chicken flavor comes from Buffalo, New York, where it was first created at the Anchor Bar in 1964. Traditionally, chicken wings were deep-fried and coated in a mixture of hot sauce and butter, giving them their signature spicy and tangy taste.
Over time, this iconic flavor has been adapted into many dishes, including Buffalo chicken sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and now, salads!
How the Buffalo Sauce Enhances the Chicken
Buffalo sauce isn’t just about heat—it has a complex balance of flavors:
- Hot Sauce – Adds spice and tanginess
- Butter – Gives a rich, creamy texture
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory taste
- Vinegar – Adds acidity for balance
When this sauce is drizzled over grilled or baked chicken, it soaks into the meat, making it juicy, spicy, and packed with bold flavors.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad in just 4 simple steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Grill, bake, or air-fry chicken breast
- Toss it in Buffalo sauce while still hot
2. Chop the Vegetables
- Lettuce – Romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens
- Carrots & Celery – Classic Buffalo side veggies
- Tomatoes & Onions – Adds freshness and sweetness
3. Assemble the Salad
- Add the Buffalo chicken to the greens
- Sprinkle blue cheese or cheddar
- Top with croutons or tortilla strips (optional)
4. Drizzle with Dressing
- Use ranch, blue cheese, or homemade Buffalo dressing
- Toss lightly and enjoy immediately!
Best Cooking Methods for Buffalo Chicken
| Cooking Method | Texture & Flavor |
|---|---|
| Grilled | Smoky, slightly charred |
| Baked | Tender and juicy |
| Air-Fried | Crispy outside, juicy inside |
| Shredded | Soft and well-coated in sauce |
How to Make a Buffalo Salad Dressing
Homemade Buffalo Dressing Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayo
- 2 tbsp Buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients in a bowl
- Adjust seasoning and heat level
- Store in the fridge for up to one week
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Dressing
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Store-Bought | Convenient, ready-to-use | May have preservatives & added sugar |
| Homemade | Fresh, customizable | Requires prep time |
If you love creamy dressings, try adding ranch or blue cheese for a richer flavor!
How to Make Chicken Salad More Filling
Buffalo Chicken Salad is already protein-packed, but if you want a more satisfying meal, here are some ways to increase its nutritional value and make it more filling.
High-Protein Additions
Adding extra protein makes the salad more balanced and satisfying. Here are some great options:
| Protein Add-On | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Hard-Boiled Eggs | Adds protein and healthy fats |
| Grilled Shrimp | Light yet protein-rich |
| Bacon Bits | Adds crunch and smoky flavor |
| Black Beans or Chickpeas | Great plant-based protein source |
| Quinoa | High in protein and fiber |
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Options
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, avoid bread-based toppings and add healthy fats instead:
Avocado slices – Adds creaminess and healthy fats
Extra cheese – Blue cheese or shredded cheddar
Olive oil drizzle – Boosts flavor and satiety
Chopped nuts – Walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture
Pro Tip: Pair your Buffalo Chicken Salad with a side of cauliflower rice or a lettuce wrap for a low-carb meal!
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad is delicious on its own, but you can make it a complete meal by pairing it with sides, wraps, or bread.
Perfect Side Dishes
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potato Fries | Balances the spicy Buffalo flavor |
| Garlic Bread | A crunchy side to soak up dressing |
| Coleslaw | Adds freshness and crunch |
| Cauliflower Rice | A healthy, low-carb option |
| Celery & Carrot Sticks | Classic Buffalo-style sides |
Best Bread and Wraps to Pair With
Want to turn your salad into a wrap or sandwich? Try these options:
Lettuce Wraps – Low-carb, keto-friendly alternative
Whole Wheat Wraps – Adds fiber and a hearty texture
Ciabatta or Brioche Bun – Perfect for making a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Tortilla Chips – Adds a crunchy twist when crumbled on top
If you love meal prepping, store the Buffalo Chicken Salad filling separately and assemble fresh wraps when you’re ready to eat!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Buffalo Chicken Salad is great for meal prep, but you need to store it properly to keep it fresh.
How to Store Leftovers
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|
| In the fridge (airtight container) | 3-4 days |
| Buffalo chicken stored separately | 4-5 days |
| Dressing stored separately | 1 week |
Best Containers for Freshness
Use divided meal prep containers to keep the chicken, veggies, and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and keeps everything fresh and crispy.
Pro Tip: If packing for lunch, keep the dressing in a small container and add it just before eating!
FAQs
1. What goes in a Buffalo Chicken Salad?
A classic Buffalo Chicken Salad includes chicken, Buffalo sauce, lettuce, celery, carrots, tomatoes, blue cheese, and ranch dressing. You can also customize it with avocado, bacon, or tortilla strips!
2. What makes it Buffalo chicken?
Buffalo chicken is coated in a sauce made of hot sauce, butter, and seasonings. It has a spicy, tangy, and slightly creamy flavor that pairs well with salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
3. What are the ingredients of chicken salad?
Chicken salad typically includes cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onions, and seasonings. The Buffalo Chicken Salad version adds Buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and fresh veggies for a spicy twist.
4. What is Buffalo chicken sauce made of?
Buffalo sauce is a simple mix of hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and vinegar. Some variations include honey or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
5. How to make a Buffalo salad dressing?
To make a homemade Buffalo dressing, mix Greek yogurt, Buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and honey. This creates a creamy, spicy, and tangy dressing that’s perfect for salads!
6. How to make chicken salad more filling?
Add extra protein (like hard-boiled eggs or shrimp), healthy fats (avocado or nuts), or fiber-rich ingredients (quinoa or black beans) to make your Buffalo Chicken Salad more satisfying.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess. Whether you enjoy it as a salad, wrap, or sandwich, this recipe is easy to make, high in protein, and totally customizable.
Ready to try more delicious salads?
Check out other healthy and flavorful recipes on Recipes Baker!