Name: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Buffalo Chicken Salad:; 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced); 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste); 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup celery (diced); 1/2 cup blue cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or Greek yogurt); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Short Description:
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and crunchy. Featuring tender buffalo-coated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy blue cheese, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s quick to make and ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love buffalo wings, you’re going to love this salad. The spicy buffalo chicken adds a flavorful kick while the cool, crunchy vegetables balance it out perfectly. With the addition of creamy blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing, this salad is the ultimate mix of bold flavors. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying—making it a great go-to for busy days when you want something healthy yet full of flavor.

Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup celery (diced)
1/2 cup blue cheese (crumbled)
1/4 cup ranch dressing (or Greek yogurt)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken, grill or bake until fully cooked, then shred or dice. For convenience, you can also use pre-cooked chicken.
Mix with Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, tossing until the chicken is well-coated.
Assemble the Salad: In a serving bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced celery.
Add the Chicken: Top the salad with the buffalo chicken mixture.
Garnish and Dress: Sprinkle the salad with crumbled blue cheese and drizzle with ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve Immediately: Toss gently and enjoy!

Servings and Timing
Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or extra buffalo sauce to give the salad more heat.
Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing for a lighter, healthier alternative.
Add Avocado: For added creaminess and richness, top the salad with diced avocado.
Swap Protein: Use grilled shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad ingredients and dressing separate for the best freshness.
Reheating: If you have leftover chicken, reheat it in the microwave or a skillet before adding it to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

2. How spicy is the buffalo chicken?

The spice level depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. Start with 1/2 cup and adjust based on your spice preference.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best taste, add the buffalo chicken and dressing right before serving to avoid soggy vegetables.

4. Can I use a different dressing?

Yes! You can swap ranch for blue cheese dressing, or even use a lighter option like Greek yogurt for a creamy yet healthier version.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.

6. Can I make the buffalo chicken spicier?

Yes, you can add more buffalo sauce or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat if you prefer a spicier salad.

7. Can I make this recipe without blue cheese?

Yes, you can skip the blue cheese or use a different cheese such as feta or shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I make this buffalo chicken salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

9. How can I make this salad a complete meal?

Add a side of whole grain bread or a grain like quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial meal.

10. Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of romaine?

Yes, iceberg lettuce can be used as a substitute for romaine, though it will have a slightly different texture and flavor.

Conclusion
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The spicy buffalo chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing make for a satisfying and refreshing meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving something light or want a dish that’s full of bold flavors, this salad is a fantastic choice!