The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe That’ll Blow Your Mind

Buffalo chicken salad is one of those magical dishes that combines the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo wings with the creamy, refreshing elements of a traditional chicken salad It’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or as an appetizer that’ll impress your guests Today, I’m gonna share my favorite buffalo chicken salad recipe that’s not only delicious but also super easy to make!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love Buffalo Chicken Salad

Before diving into the recipe, let me tell you why this buffalo chicken salad deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation

• It’s quick and easy – takes just 10-15 minutes to throw together
• Perfect for meal prep – keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days
• It’s versatile – serve it in wraps, on crackers, in lettuce cups, or on a sandwich
• Lightened up version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor
• Gives you all the buffalo wing flavors without the mess of actual wings
• It’s protein-packed and can be made lower in fat with simple swaps

As someone who loves buffalo chicken wings but hates the orange fingers and mess that comes with them this salad has become my go-to alternative!

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of buffalo chicken salad lies in its simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Base:

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (the ultimate time-saver!)
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s Red Hot is my go-to)
• 1/4 cup diced celery (for that essential crunch)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (adds a nice bite)
• 1/4 cup green onions (for fresh flavor)
• 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles (optional if you’re not a blue cheese fan)

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (I recommend 2% or higher for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons light mayo (avocado oil or olive oil mayo works great)
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (like Hidden Valley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Salad (The Easy Way!)

I promise, this is probably the simplest recipe you’ll make all week. It’s basically a dump-and-stir situation that yields amazing results!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken. I usually remove the skin first, but if you’re feeling indulgent, leave some on for extra flavor! Dice your celery, red onion, and green onions.

Step 2: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss in your shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, green onions, and blue cheese crumbles (if using).

Step 3: Make The Dressing

In the same bowl (because who wants to wash extra dishes?), add your Greek yogurt, mayo, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Stir everything until it’s thoroughly combined. Make sure the buffalo sauce and dressing coat all the chicken pieces evenly.

Step 5: Taste & Adjust

This is the important part! Give it a taste and adjust if needed. Sometimes I add a little more buffalo sauce for heat or more ranch powder for flavor.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

For best results, refrigerate your buffalo chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and tastes so much better!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made this amazing buffalo chicken salad, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Cucumber rounds or celery sticks – Perfect low-carb option
• Lettuce wraps – Use large romaine leaves for a fresh crunch
• Tortilla wraps – Make it a complete meal
• On bread – Make a killer sandwich with some extra lettuce and tomato
• On crackers – Great for appetizers or snacking
• On a bed of greens – Turn it into a proper salad-salad

My personal favorite? I love it on cucumber rounds as a light lunch with some fruit on the side!

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy modifications:

Lightened-Up Version

• Skip the mayo completely and use all Greek yogurt
• Use fat-free Greek yogurt instead of 2%
• Add more veggies for bulk with fewer calories

Spice Level Adjustments

• Mild: Use just 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce
• Medium: The recipe as written (1/3 cup buffalo sauce)
• Hot: Add an extra tablespoon of buffalo sauce and a dash of cayenne

Cheese Options

• Not a blue cheese fan? Try feta or shredded cheddar
• For dairy-free, simply omit the cheese altogether

Add-In Ideas

• Diced avocado adds creaminess
• Diced bell peppers for extra crunch
• Shredded carrots for color and nutrition
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens everything up

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Buffalo chicken salad is literally PERFECT for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Do not freeze: The mayo and yogurt won’t thaw well.
• Meal prep containers: I like using glass containers with lids for keeping it fresh.

Pro tip: If meal prepping for the week, keep your dippers (like celery sticks or cucumber rounds) separate until ready to eat to maintain maximum crispness!

Health Benefits

Not only is this buffalo chicken salad delicious, but it’s also got some nutritional perks:

• High protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt
• Lower in fat than traditional buffalo wings
• Low carb if served with veggies instead of bread
• Contains probiotics from the Greek yogurt
• Provides veggies from the celery and onions

A Detailed Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe (Restaurant Style)

If you want to make a more elaborate buffalo chicken salad like they serve in restaurants (with lettuce and all the fixings), here’s a delicious alternative:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buffalo sauce + 2-3 tablespoons honey + juice of 1 lime (for marinade)
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 1 cucumber, sliced into half moons
• 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

For Homemade Ranch Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives)
• Salt, pepper, onion powder, cayenne

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in buffalo sauce mixture for 30 minutes
2. Cook chicken in a skillet until done (about 6 minutes per side)
3. Let chicken rest, then slice into strips
4. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl
5. Whisk dressing ingredients together
6. Top salad with chicken and drizzle with dressing

This version makes a complete meal and is gorgeous for serving guests!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making buffalo chicken salad, watch out for these pitfalls:

1. Too much mayo – It can quickly become heavy and calorie-dense
2. Not chilling before serving – The flavors need time to develop
3. Skipping the celery – It provides essential texture contrast
4. Using pre-shredded chicken – Often too dry; rotisserie is much better
5. Not tasting as you go – Buffalo sauce strengths vary by brand

Why I Love This Recipe

I first tried making buffalo chicken salad when I was looking for ways to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Now it’s become a weekly staple in my house! My husband, who normally doesn’t like “health food,” requests this all the time – he even heats it up (which I thought was weird at first, but it’s actually really good warm too!).

What makes this recipe special to me is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes indulgent while actually being pretty nutritious. Plus, it reminds me of enjoying buffalo wings during game days, but in a form I can eat any day of the week without feeling guilty!

FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Salad

Q: Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?
A: Yes, but drain it well and expect a slightly different texture. Rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and moisture.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: With 1/3 cup buffalo sauce, it’s moderately spicy. The yogurt helps cool it down. Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt alternatives and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Q: What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
A: Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce is the classic choice, but any wing sauce you enjoy will work.

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Cook and shred about 1 pound of chicken breasts as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo chicken salad is seriously one of those magical recipes that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a quick lunch, or need an appetizer for game day, this versatile dish has got you covered.

The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, cool creamy dressing, and crunchy vegetables creates a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the protein-packed nature of this dish makes it satisfying without weighing you down.

Now go grab a rotisserie chicken and get mixing – you’re just 10 minutes away from buffalo chicken salad bliss!