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vibrant buffalo chicken salad served in a white bowl with fresh lettuce, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, buffalo chicken, and ranch dressing, highlighting the final dish.

The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight in 4 Easy Steps


  • Author: Emilia
  • Total Time: ~25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Fresh, crunchy, spicy, and creamy—this Buffalo Chicken Salad has it all. Tossed in bold buffalo sauce and served over a crisp bed of veggies with cool dressing, it’s a perfect high-protein meal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • ¼ cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)

For the Salad Base

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce or spring mix

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup shredded carrots

  • ½ cup celery, thinly sliced

  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

  • ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)

For the Dressing

  • ⅓ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

  • 12 tbsp buffalo sauce (optional, to mix into dressing)


Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Rub chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (165°F inside).

  3. Slice or shred, then toss with buffalo sauce until coated.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies
4. Wash and chop lettuce. Halve tomatoes, slice celery and red onion, and shred carrots.
5. Slice avocado just before serving.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
6. In a large bowl or individual plates, layer lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, celery, red onion, and avocado.
7. Top with buffalo chicken and sprinkle with blue cheese.

Step 4: Dress It Up
8. Whisk together ranch or blue cheese with extra buffalo sauce. Drizzle over salad or serve on the side.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 400–450 kcal
  • Sodium: ~950 mg
  • Fat: 20–25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10–15 g
  • Fiber: 5–7 g
  • Protein: 35–40 g