If you crave the zesty kick of buffalo sauce but want something lighter than wings, Buffalo Chicken Salad is about to steal your heart—and your taste buds. This recipe transforms everyday chicken into a vibrant, spicy, and utterly satisfying main dish that’s as perfect for meal prep as it is for game day. Each bite combines cool, crunchy veggies with creamy dressing and just the right amount of heat, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing salad. Whether you pile it onto greens, wrap it up, or spoon it onto a soft bun, Buffalo Chicken Salad will add a delicious punch of flavor to your lunch or dinner lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Buffalo Chicken Salad comes from simple, everyday ingredients—each one bringing its own texture and flavor pop. These essentials are easy to find, and together they create something truly exciting: saucy, creamy, tangy, and bold.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast (2 cups): The hearty base that soaks up all those fiery buffalo flavors—leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully!
- Buffalo wing sauce (¼ cup): Delivers that signature tangy heat; adjust more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Celery, finely chopped (½ cup): Adds crispness and a refreshing crunch to balance out the spice.
- Red onion, finely chopped (¼ cup): A little punch and color that brightens up each bite.
- Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (½ cup): Creamy texture and gentle tang; Greek yogurt keeps things lighter, while mayo makes it ultra-rich.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1 tbsp): Adds an extra layer of luscious, herby flavor—choose your favorite!
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): For that subtle garlicky warmth throughout.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season just before serving to brighten all the flavors.
- Optional: Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (¼ cup): If you love an extra creamy, tangy, or cheesy finish, add a handful here!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Step 1: Toss Chicken with Buffalo Sauce
In a large bowl, add your cooked, shredded chicken breast. Pour the buffalo wing sauce over the top, and use a fork or tongs to toss everything until every strand of chicken is fully coated in that iconic spicy orange sauce. This step infuses your protein with irresistible flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Creamy Elements
Now scatter the chopped celery and red onion right into the bowl. Spoon in the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) and add your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, then season with a pinch of salt and a crack of pepper. Stir everything together until beautifully combined and creamy—the chicken should look lusciously sauced and flecked with crunchy veggies.
Step 3: Mix in the Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a blue cheese or cheddar enthusiast, gently fold in the crumbled cheese or shredded cheddar at this stage. It adds a burst of creamy richness and brings that classic buffalo chicken salad flavor over the top. If you prefer it lighter, you can skip this step without missing out on great taste.
Step 4: Chill and Meld Flavors
Pop the finished salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This little rest gives all the bold, spicy, and tangy elements time to mingle, making the salad taste even more amazing when it hits your plate.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra crumbled blue cheese, thinly sliced green onions, or a handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a restaurant-worthy finish. A few dashes of hot sauce or a swirl of ranch dressing add plenty of visual (and tasty) flair to each serving of Buffalo Chicken Salad.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic with crisp romaine hearts, crunchy cucumber sticks, or even a handful of tortilla chips for scooping. Pair it with classic sides like carrot and celery sticks, a simple green salad, or sweet potato fries to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at bowls! Pile Buffalo Chicken Salad into lettuce wraps for a low-carb favorite or stuff it inside pita pockets for a grab-and-go lunch. You can also serve it as sliders on mini buns for a fun party snack—or tuck it into a warm tortilla for a zippy buffalo chicken wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen and mingle beautifully with a little time—just give it a gentle stir before serving again, and you’ll be set.
Freezing
It’s best to enjoy Buffalo Chicken Salad fresh, but you can freeze portions if you skip the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and add them in after thawing. Some ingredients, like celery, may lose their crispness after freezing, so it’s ideal to freeze just the buffalo chicken part, then add veggies and dairy-based ingredients later for freshness.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’d like a warm twist, just gently microwave the chicken mixture before adding creamy elements and veggies—but the traditional recipe is at its best served chilled for maximum flavor and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Buffalo Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster—just shred, add the sauce and mix-ins, and you’re good to go. It’s a perfect shortcut for weeknight prep or low-effort lunches.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite dairy-free yogurt or mayo and use a vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing. Skip the crumbled cheese or try a plant-based version for a truly dairy-free Buffalo Chicken Salad.
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Salad?
The heat level is totally up to you! Start with the listed amount of buffalo wing sauce and add more if you like things hot. Use a mild buffalo sauce for less spice or go bold with a super-spicy blend for heat-lovers.
Can I meal-prep this salad ahead of time?
This salad is a meal-prepper’s dream! Make a batch at the start of the week and portion it into containers; the flavor actually gets better as it sits, and it keeps well for several days.
What’s the best way to serve Buffalo Chicken Salad?
The options are endless: enjoy it over greens for a salad, in a sandwich, as a filling for wraps, or just with crisp veggies on the side. It’s versatile and delicious any way you scoop it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add some excitement to your meal routine, give Buffalo Chicken Salad a go—you’ll be wowed by how quick, flavorful, and customizable it is. From lunches to party platters, it’s always a hit!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a zesty and protein-packed dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With a spicy kick from buffalo sauce and a creamy texture from Greek yogurt, this salad is versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup celery (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until coated.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in celery, red onion, Greek yogurt, dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Incorporate Cheese: Fold in blue cheese or cheddar if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Serve over lettuce, in a wrap, or on a bun.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste.
- For a lighter version, use only Greek yogurt.
- Great for meal prep; store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
