This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a zesty mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a spicy sauce. It’s light yet packed with flavor, perfect for a quick meal or a gathering!
I love how easy it is to whip up this salad, especially when I have leftover chicken. Add some crunchy celery and carrots, and you have a tasty dish that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken; it’s a huge time-saver! If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using shredded jackfruit or tofu sautéed in buffalo sauce for a similar flavor.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Feel free to adjust the spice! If you want a milder version, mix the hot sauce with more butter or try a BBQ sauce. Homemade buffalo sauce can also be made with your favorite hot sauce and melted margarine.
Romaine Lettuce: While romaine gives a nice crunch, you can swap in any leafy greens like spinach, kale, or mixed salad greens for a different texture.
Blue Cheese: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese works well too! For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheese alternatives.
Celery: You can toss in chopped bell peppers or carrots if you want some added color and crunch, while keeping it fresh and crisp.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Coated in Sauce?
Coating chicken with buffalo sauce evenly is key for flavor. Follow these steps:
- Make sure your chicken is well-shredded for better sauce coverage.
- Start with a bowl and pour in your buffalo sauce.
- Gradually add your shredded chicken and mix well, making sure all pieces are covered.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a tiny splash of water or oil to loosen it up.
Give it a taste and adjust with extra sauce if you like it spicier. That’s it—easy and flavorful!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (hot sauce mixed with melted butter)
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: celery sticks, chopped (for serving or mixing in)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad will take you about 10 minutes to prepare. Just mix the ingredients and toss everything together. You’ll have a quick, flavorful meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium-sized bowl, take your cooked shredded chicken breast and pour the buffalo wing sauce over it. Toss the chicken with the sauce until every piece is well-coated. Make it as spicy as you like!
2. Assemble the Salad Base:
Grab 2-3 salad bowls and evenly distribute the chopped romaine lettuce among them. This will be your fresh base for the salad.
3. Add Onions:
Next, scatter the sliced red onions on top of the lettuce. This adds a mild onion flavor that complements the buffalo chicken nicely.
4. Top with Buffalo Chicken:
Now it’s time to pile that flavorful buffalo chicken mixture on top of the lettuce and onions. Look at that delicious color!
5. Finish with Cheese and Greens:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and sliced green onions on top of the chicken. They’ll add creaminess and a fresh crunch to your salad.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, and if you like, add ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. Optionally, include some chopped celery for extra crunch and flavor!
This Buffalo Chicken Salad beautifully balances spicy and creamy flavors with crisp textures. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and toss it with the buffalo sauce to save time and boost flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder salad, mix more melted butter into the buffalo sauce or use a mild hot sauce. You can also substitute the buffalo wing sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor.
What Dressing Pairs Best with This Salad?
Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing complement the spicy buffalo flavors beautifully. You can serve it on the side or drizzle it over the top for a creamy finish.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the salad’s freshness, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat!