There’s just something irresistible about Buffalo Chicken Salad: it’s the perfect marriage of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors, all bundled into a crisp, refreshing salad. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch, a quick protein-packed dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe truly delivers. You’ll love how easily everything comes together—no cooking required, just a quick mix—and you get all the bold, crave-able kick of classic buffalo chicken in a lighter, more refreshing form!

Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Chicken Salad comes together in a snap, and every ingredient here brings something special to the table. The combination of creamy, spicy, crunchy, and fresh creates not only a taste explosion but also fantastic textures and vibrant colors. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what makes this salad the star of your mealtime lineup!

Chicken breast: Tender, shredded or chopped cooked chicken is the hearty backbone of this salad and soaks up every drop of flavor.
Buffalo wing sauce: Brings the zingy, spicy kick that gives this dish its signature personality—add more or less to suit your spice level!
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Pick your favorite creamy base: mayo brings richness, Greek yogurt adds a tangy, lighter twist.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds a burst of savory depth and complements the buffalo sauce perfectly; use your go-to!
Celery: Finely chopped for that essential crisp crunch that cuts through the creamy heat.
Red onion: Chopped to give a pop of color and sharp flavor—just enough for contrast without overpowering.
Blue cheese or feta (optional): Crumbled for a luxe, tangy finish that’s especially dreamy with buffalo flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors and making every bite pop.
Chopped romaine or butter lettuce: For serving—a cooling, crispy bed that’s a perfect foil for the bold main event.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad

Step 1: Mix the Sauces and Chicken

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Toss in your shredded or chopped cooked chicken, followed by the buffalo wing sauce, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir everything together until each piece of chicken is lavishly coated in saucy goodness. This is where all the signature flavors of Buffalo Chicken Salad come alive!

Step 2: Add Crunchy Veggies

Next, fold in the finely chopped celery and red onion. These veggies aren’t just about adding color—they bring a crunch that keeps every bite lively and prevents things from getting too heavy. If you’re using blue cheese or feta, now’s the time to sprinkle it in!

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your salad a quick taste. This is your moment to make it your own! Add salt and pepper if needed. Prefer a bit more heat or a tangier flavor? Adjust the buffalo sauce or dressings to suit your palate. A few extra crumbles of blue cheese on top never hurt, either.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

To serve, pile generous scoops of Buffalo Chicken Salad over crisp chopped lettuce, tuck into lettuce wraps, or dollop onto crackers or toast. The sky’s the limit! Serve immediately, or pop it in the fridge for a cool, refreshing dish later.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Buffalo Chicken Salad loves a little extra something on top! Try scattering a handful of green onions, extra crumbled blue cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley over each serving for a burst of color and flavor. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce ups the wow factor and the heat, if you like things spicy!

Side Dishes

Pair your salad with something cool and creamy—think classic potato salad, a simple cucumber-dill salad, or even fresh fruit slices. If you want to round things out for a heartier meal, some crisp tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices make for delightful scooping.

Creative Ways to Present

Buffalo Chicken Salad is a stunner at parties when spooned into mini lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for bite-sized snacks. Try stuffing it into a wrap for a portable lunch, or make Buffalo Chicken Salad sliders with mini buns. It’s versatile enough to go wherever your creativity leads!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Buffalo Chicken Salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often get even bolder as they mingle! Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze Buffalo Chicken Salad, the creamy dressings and fresh veggies don’t always hold up their best after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, expect some changes in texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad! Simply enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge. If you prefer a warm twist, you can briefly microwave just the chicken mixture before adding crisp veggies and garnishes for a cozy, creamy version.

FAQs

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Salad in advance?

Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as all those bold flavors meld together. Just wait to add the lettuce until you’re ready to serve so it stays crisp.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Swap the mayonnaise and ranch or blue cheese dressing for their favorite dairy-free alternatives, and skip the blue cheese crumbles. You’ll still get all that punchy buffalo flavor!

How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Salad?

It really depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you add. Start on the low end if you’re wary of spice, then add more to bring the heat up to your perfect level.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster and easier, plus it delivers extra flavor and tenderness. Just shred it up and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to serve Buffalo Chicken Salad for a party?

Spoon it onto crostini, into lettuce cups, or serve alongside a platter of crackers and fresh-cut veggies for effortless, crowd-pleasing finger food that disappears fast!

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Salad is seriously a staple in my kitchen—easy, bold, and just the right amount of fiery. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something different for lunch or need to spice up your dinner routine. I promise you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a spicy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The combination of tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy dressing makes for a delicious and satisfying salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

Chopped romaine or butter lettuce for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix until evenly coated.
Add Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in chopped celery, red onion, and blue cheese if using. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken salad over a bed of lettuce, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers or toasted bread for a light meal.