Buffalo Chicken Salad

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Last Updated on December 8, 2024 by Toya

Need a quick and easy salad recipe for lunch or dinner? Then you must try out my easy buffalo chicken salad recipe. This bold and flavorful salad bowl is packed with the best juicy buffalo chicken, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, some crispy bacon and a tangy ranch and blue cheese dressing.

This is the perfect 15 minute salad recipe to make if you need a satisfying healthy protein packed meal that is full of flavor.

If you want to give it a try, let’s see how to make it below!

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Salad:

For the Buffalo Chicken:

• 8oz cooked and cubed chicken
• 5 tablespoons buffalo sauce (or 2 tablespoons melted butter and 3 tablespoons hot sauce)

For the Salad:

• 8oz shredded lettuce
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 5oz cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
• ½ avocado, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 4 tablespoons ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese
• ½ tablespoon buffalo sauce

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad:

First, gather all your ingredients in one place.

Combine the cooked, cubed chicken with the buffalo sauce (or the mixture of melted butter and hot sauce). Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated and set aside. If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can easily make your own by combining melted butter and hot sauce in a bowl.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the ranch dressing, crumbled blue cheese, and buffalo sauce. This will give the dressing a creamy yet spicy kick to complement the chicken.

In a large bowl, layer the shredded lettuce, bell pepper slices, avocado, and buffalo chicken. Top the salad with cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and blue cheese.

Drizzle the homemade buffalo dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.

Once everything is tossed together, your buffalo chicken salad is ready to serve and enjoy!

Tips to Make the Best Buffalo Chicken Salad:

• For Extra Crunch: If you prefer extra crunch, try adding crispy fried chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.
• Swap the Greens: If you’re not a fan of lettuce, baby spinach makes a great alternative.
• Heat Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference. For a milder version, use less buffalo sauce or choose a mild variety.

Can You Make Buffalo Chicken Salad Ahead?

This Buffalo Chicken Salad can be prepared ahead of time. However, it’s best to keep the salad ingredients separate from the dressing until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess. Store the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge, and the dressing in a separate jar. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 485
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13.5g
• Cholesterol: 146mg
• Sodium: 1264mg
• Carbohydrates: 9.2g
• Net Carbs: 5.9g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Sugar: 2.6g
• Protein: 43.7g

Pairing Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Salad

This salad is a hearty meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or even a small portion of sweet potato fries for a complete meal. If you’re looking for more flavor-packed salad ideas, try pairing this buffalo chicken salad with some of these recipes:

This buffalo chicken salad is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying meals. With its mix of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and tangy salad dressing, it’s a salad that’s sure to become a favorite of yours. It’s simple, quick to make, and incredibly delicious — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.