This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a tasty twist on a classic! It’s filled with spicy, shredded chicken, fresh greens, and a zingy dressing that will wake up your taste buds.
Who knew salad could be this exciting? I love adding a sprinkle of blue cheese on top for extra flavor—because why not? It’s like a party on my plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish super quick and flavorful. If you want, you can use leftover grilled or poached chicken, or even shredded turkey for a change.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but feel free to try other brands or even homemade versions if you’re feeling adventurous. For a milder taste, use barbecue sauce instead.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: I prefer mayo for creaminess, but Greek yogurt gives it a healthy twist with added protein. If you are dairy-free, try a plant-based yogurt or a thick tahini for a unique flavor.
Blue Cheese: This adds a punch to the salad, but if you’re not a fan, feta cheese or even shredded cheddar works well. For a dairy-free version, leave it out or use a vegan cheese substitute.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine has a nice crunch, but you could use other greens like kale, spinach, or mixed salad greens. Each will give a different vibe to the salad!
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Well-Coated in Sauce?
Coating the chicken evenly with the buffalo sauce is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a bowl that’s large enough, so you don’t overcrowd the chicken. This allows for better mixing.
- Start by mixing the buffalo sauce and mayo (or yogurt) first, then add the shredded chicken. This way, each piece gets covered.
- Gently fold the chicken into the sauce rather than stirring too roughly to keep the chicken pieces intact.
This not only keeps the chicken juicy but also ensures a tasty kick in every bite!
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions)
Optional Additions:
- Celery sticks or diced red onion for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time shredding the chicken and mixing the ingredients, and then it’s ready to enjoy! Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt). Mix it all together until the chicken is completely coated in that delicious, spicy sauce. Make sure every bite packs a punch!
2. Set the Salad Base:
Next, lay out the chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl or divide it among individual plates. This crunchy green base is where the magic happens!
3. Assemble the Salad:
Now, take the buffalo chicken mixture and place it right on top of the romaine lettuce. It’s going to look fantastic and flavorful!
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the chicken mixture, making sure you get some on every serving. The creamy cheese pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken.
5. Finish with Green Onions:
Garnish your salad with the chopped green onions. This adds a nice pop of color and a bit of fresh flavor!
6. Optional Extras:
If you like, serve the salad with celery sticks or diced red onion on the side for some added crunch and flavor contrast.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
You can toss the salad together lightly if you prefer a fully mixed dish, or you can leave it as is for a composed look. Enjoy your buffalo chicken salad immediately for the best taste and texture!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it before mixing it with the buffalo sauce. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey!
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No problem! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with feta cheese or shredded cheddar. You can also simply omit it for a lighter salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you love heat, try adding extra buffalo sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. A dash of red pepper flakes can also elevate the spice level!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make the chicken mixture ahead of time! Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp.
