This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a game-changer for lunch or dinner! Combining the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy blue cheese, this salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and No-Cook Option: With pre-cooked chicken, this salad comes together in 20 minutes flat—perfect for those evenings when cooking feels impossible.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Control the spiciness by adjusting the hot sauce—make it mild enough for the whole family or fiery enough to satisfy your heat cravings.
  • Balance of Flavors: The combination of spicy chicken, cool veggies, and tangy blue cheese creates the perfect flavor harmony that’ll keep you coming back for more.
  • No Oven Required: This is your summer salvation—all the buffalo chicken flavors you love without heating up your kitchen.
buffalo chicken salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Shredded Chicken: The protein star of this dish. Use rotisserie chicken to save time, or meal prep by cooking chicken breasts earlier in the week.
  • Hot Sauce: Brings that classic buffalo wing flavor. Frank’s RedHot works beautifully, but use your favorite brand.
  • Dry Ranch Seasoning: Adds depth and complexity to the buffalo chicken. This secret ingredient elevates the flavor beyond just spicy sauce.
  • Baby Spring Salad Mix: The fresh, tender base for our salad. Provides nutrients and a variety of textures.
  • Carrot: Adds natural sweetness, crunch, and beautiful color contrast.
  • Sweet Corn Kernels: Brings little bursts of sweetness that balance the heat from the buffalo sauce perfectly.
  • Cucumber: Provides refreshing crunch and helps cool down the spiciness.
  • Blue Cheese Crumbles: The classic buffalo chicken companion. Its tangy creaminess complements the spicy chicken wonderfully.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Bright pops of juicy flavor that add freshness and color.
  • Avocado Ranch Dressing: Creamy, cooling, and the perfect finish to bring everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

  • Grilled Shrimp: For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with buffalo-sauce coated grilled shrimp.
  • Buffalo Cauliflower: Make it vegetarian by using roasted buffalo cauliflower florets instead of chicken.

Cheese Options

  • Feta Cheese: If blue cheese is too strong, try milder feta for a different tangy note.
  • Shredded Cheddar: For a more kid-friendly option that still complements the buffalo flavor.

Add-Ins

  • Avocado Slices: For extra creaminess and healthy fats.
  • Crispy Bacon Bits: Because bacon makes everything better.
  • Crispy Tortilla Strips: For added crunch and a southwestern twist.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with hot sauce and dry ranch seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

To a large bowl (for family-style serving) or four individual bowls, add the spring mix as your base. This creates the fresh foundation for your masterpiece.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Distribute the grated carrot, sweet corn kernels, sliced cucumber, and quartered cherry tomatoes evenly over the greens. These colorful additions bring different textures and complementary flavors.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the vegetables. Top each salad with a generous portion of the prepared buffalo chicken. Drizzle with avocado ranch dressing and toss if desired, or serve with dressing on the side.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Chicken Temperature: Serve the buffalo chicken slightly warm (not hot) for the best contrast with the cool vegetables.
  • Even Coating: Toss the chicken in a sealed container to ensure even sauce distribution without making a mess.
  • Make-Ahead Chicken: Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to two days ahead for even faster assembly.
  • Personal Portions: Build in individual bowls for a beautiful presentation and to let everyone customize their toppings.
  • Dressing Strategy: Dress the greens lightly first, then add toppings and additional dressing if desired—this ensures flavor in every bite.

How to Serve

As a Main Course

Serve larger portions with a side of garlic bread or warm pita triangles for a satisfying dinner.

For a Crowd

Create a DIY buffalo chicken salad bar with all ingredients in separate containers, allowing guests to build their perfect plate.

Meal Prep Idea

Portion all ingredients except dressing into meal prep containers. Add dressing just before eating to maintain maximum freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the dressed salad components separately—keep the buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store prepared vegetables in another container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Note: Once dressed, the salad will not keep well as the greens will wilt. Best to store components separately.

Prepping Ahead

Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead. Wash and chop all vegetables the day before and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheating

The buffalo chicken can be served cold, but if you prefer it warm, microwave it for 30-45 seconds until just heated through before adding to your salad.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this salad vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Replace the chicken with buffalo-style roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. Toss cauliflower florets or drained chickpeas with the same hot sauce and ranch seasoning mix, then roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes until crispy on the outside.

  2. How can I tone down the spiciness for kids?

    For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce by half and increase the ranch seasoning slightly. You can also serve the buffalo chicken on the side, allowing kids to add as much or as little as they like to their salad.

  3. Can I use a different dressing if I don’t have avocado ranch?

    Regular ranch dressing works perfectly here! You can also use blue cheese dressing for an extra tangy kick that complements the buffalo flavor beautifully. For something lighter, a simple olive oil and lemon dressing is refreshing too.

  4. Is there a way to make this lower in calories?

    Definitely! Use chicken breast that you’ve cooked yourself to control the fat content, choose a light version of hot sauce, and make a yogurt-based ranch dressing with Greek yogurt, herbs and spices. You can also reduce the cheese or use a lighter option like part-skim mozzarella.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Salad brings together all the flavors of your favorite game-day snack in a nutritious, satisfying meal you can enjoy any night of the week. The combination of spicy, tangy buffalo chicken with fresh veggies and creamy blue cheese delivers that perfect balance of flavors and textures we all crave. What I love most is how easily it comes together—proving that delicious, impressive meals don’t need to be complicated. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something with a kick that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night!

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Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 people 1x
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

A quick and easy Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. This dish combines spicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and blue cheese crumbles, making it a delightful combination of tangy and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning

Salad

  • 4 Baby Spring Salad Mix
  • 1 Medium Carrot, grated
  • 1 can sweet corn kernels
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup Blue Cheese Crumbles
  • 12 Cherry Tomatoes, quartered

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with hot sauce and dry ranch seasoning until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or divide into 4 small bowls, combine the spring mix, grated carrot, corn kernels, cucumber slices, blue cheese crumbles, and quartered cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Add the Chicken and Serve: Place the prepared spicy chicken atop each salad and drizzle with avocado ranch dressing as per your preference. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover chicken to save time.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
  • For a healthier option, opt for a low-fat avocado ranch dressing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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