Buffalo Chicken Salad

This Buffalo Chicken Salad combines the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy, tangy dressing and tender, shredded chicken. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be served in many ways—whether as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for greens, or enjoyed with crackers. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad brings a burst of flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the tangy heat of buffalo wings but want a healthier, lighter version, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. The creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and buffalo sauce is the ideal balance of richness and spice, and it complements the shredded chicken perfectly. With the crunch of celery, carrot, and green onions, each bite is satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, this salad is quick to make, and it’s versatile enough to serve in different ways—on a salad, in a sandwich, or even in lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (for a creamier texture)

• ¼ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to spice preference)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ⅛ teaspoon dried dill (or fresh dill for a brighter flavor)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)

• ½ cup shredded carrot

• ½ cup sliced celery

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Optional: ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (for added richness)

• Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

1. Make the Dressing:
   In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.

2. Add the Veggies and Chicken:
   Add the shredded chicken, shredded carrot, sliced celery, and sliced green onions to the bowl. Stir gently to coat everything evenly in the dressing.

3. Optional Toppings:
   Stir in the blue cheese crumbles if desired, or sprinkle them on top when serving. For a fresh, herby touch, add some chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

4. Serve:
   Serve the salad as a filling for sandwiches, on top of a bed of greens, with crackers, or enjoy it just as it is! It’s also delicious with sliced avocado for added creaminess.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Extra Spice: If you like it spicier, add jalapeño slices or a splash of hot sauce to the salad mixture.

• Meal Prep: This salad is perfect for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Low-Carb Option: Serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb version.

• Creamier Salad: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the dressing for a richer texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but you can warm it up slightly if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, canned chicken can be used as a substitute for rotisserie chicken if you’re looking for a quicker option. Just drain and shred it.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead option for meal prep.

3. How can I make this salad spicier?

If you like it extra spicy, add more buffalo sauce, jalapeño slices, or even a splash of hot sauce.

4. Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?

You can use sour cream or regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang, but any of these options will work.

5. Can I use a different dressing if I don’t like buffalo sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute the buffalo sauce with ranch dressing for a milder flavor or use a honey mustard dressing for a sweeter twist.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the buffalo sauce and other ingredients you use are gluten-free. Just double-check the labels!

7. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even chopped tomatoes for extra freshness and crunch.

8. Can I serve this as a dip?

Yes, this salad works well as a dip for crackers or veggies. Simply serve it with your favorite dipping items!

9. Can I make this salad in advance for a party?

Yes, this salad is great for parties. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and serve it chilled.

10. Can I freeze this salad?

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing. The texture may change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy, making it a great choice for a quick, flavorful meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or as part of a salad, it’s versatile and easy to make. With simple ingredients and endless variations, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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