12 Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipes That Satisfy
Did you know that Buffalo chicken is not just a game day snack, but can be transformed into a delicious and healthy meal? In this blog, we’ll dive into 12 mouthwatering Buffalo chicken salad recipes guaranteed to satisfy your cravings while keeping your taste buds dancing. From the zesty Spicy Buffalo Chicken Crunch Salad to the refreshing Berry & Buffalo Chicken Spinach Salad, each recipe offers a unique twist on this classic flavor, ensuring you’ll find the perfect salad for any occasion!
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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Crunch Salad
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Crunch Salad combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce with fresh veggies and a satisfying crunch, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup tortilla strips
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, mixing well until the chicken is fully coated.
2. In another bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and red onion.
3. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Add the buffalo chicken on top of the salad, then sprinkle with blue cheese and tortilla strips for crunch.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy and crunchy salad!
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the level of buffalo sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- You can substitute grilled chicken for a healthier option.
- Add avocado for an extra creamy texture in the salad.
- Make it a meal by serving it in a whole wheat wrap.
Creamy Avocado Buffalo Chicken Salad
This Creamy Avocado Buffalo Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of spicy and creamy flavors that make for a satisfying meal or a zesty side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth.
2. Add the Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado and mix until well combined.
3. Fold in the shredded chicken, diced celery, and chopped green onions until everything is evenly coated.
4. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or buffalo sauce according to your preference.
5. Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips:
- To make this salad even creamier, you can add additional Greek yogurt or a splash of ranch dressing.
- Serve the salad on a bed of greens or in a wrap for a tasty lunch option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad Twist
This Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad Twist uniquely combines spicy buffalo chicken with the classic Caesar salad flavors, offering a deliciously bold and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
3. Add the buffalo chicken to the salad and gently mix to combine.
4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt over the top and toss lightly.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad Twist!
Tips:
- For extra crunch, use homemade croutons.
- Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Top with additional cheese or a drizzle of ranch dressing for a creamy finish.
Cilantro Lime Buffalo Chicken Salad
This Cilantro Lime Buffalo Chicken Salad is special for its vibrant flavors and the perfect balance of spicy buffalo chicken, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro that create an irresistible dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded buffalo chicken
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or fresh)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked buffalo chicken, chopped cilantro, red onion, diced tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips:
- For added crunch, throw in some crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
- Make it a meal by serving over a bed of mixed greens.
- Add extra lime juice for a more tangy flavor.
Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Greens
This Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Greens recipe combines spicy, tangy flavors with the creamy richness of blue cheese for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and kale)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and no longer pink in the middle.
4. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
5. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced green onions, and crumbled blue cheese.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the greens and toss to coat.
8. Top the salad with sliced buffalo chicken and serve immediately.
Tips:
- For a milder flavor, use less hot sauce or choose a mild version.
- Feel free to add other toppings like diced celery or carrots for added crunch.
- This dish can also be served in wraps or on a bed of quinoa for a heartier meal.
Tangy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad
This Tangy Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad combines zesty flavors and a hearty protein punch, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then combine it with water in a pot.
2. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
3. Remove the quinoa from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, mixing until the chicken is well coated.
5. Add the quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, cucumber, parsley, and blue cheese to the bowl, gently mixing everything together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips:
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce according to your taste.
- This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Swap blue cheese for feta if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.
- Include any additional vegetables you enjoy for added crunch and flavor.
Refreshing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This Refreshing Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad combines zesty buffalo flavors with fresh veggies and hearty pasta, perfect for a summer meal or potluck!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 1 ½ cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cold rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and buffalo sauce.
2. Add in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and blue cheese crumbles, mixing until well combined.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Tips:
- For an extra crunch, add some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation time.
- This dish can be made a day in advance for even better flavor!
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
Berry & Buffalo Chicken Spinach Salad
This Berry & Buffalo Chicken Spinach Salad is a vibrant dish that combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the sweetness of berries and the freshness of spinach, making it a delightful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked buffalo chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach and shredded buffalo chicken.
2. Add the mixed berries on top of the spinach and chicken.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds over the salad.
4. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
Tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce before cooking.
- Use fresh berries for the best taste and nutritional value.
- Feel free to swap feta cheese for goat cheese if preferred.
Roasted Veggie Buffalo Chicken Salad
This Roasted Veggie Buffalo Chicken Salad brings a delightful mix of spicy and savory flavors that will excite your taste buds and satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup roasted bell peppers
- 1 cup roasted zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the bell peppers and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the veggies in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. While the vegetables are roasting, in a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, mixing well until the chicken is fully coated.
5. In a separate bowl, prepare the salad by combining mixed greens, roasted veggies, and cherry tomatoes.
6. Add the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the salad and sprinkle with blue cheese and green onions.
7. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve immediately.
Tips:
- For added crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance.
Buffalo Chicken Kale Salad with Ranch Dressing
This Buffalo Chicken Kale Salad with Ranch Dressing brilliantly combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the freshness of kale, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the buffalo sauce and shredded chicken over medium heat until warmed through.
2. While the chicken is heating, prepare the kale by massaging it with olive oil, salt, and pepper to soften.
3. In a large bowl, combine the massaged kale, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and blue cheese crumbles.
4. Once the chicken is heated, add it to the salad mixture, and toss well to combine.
5. Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and toss again to coat evenly.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled option.
Tips:
- For added crunch, top the salad with tortilla strips or croutons before serving.
- Feel free to substitute grilled chicken for a smokier flavor.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Sweet Potato Buffalo Chicken Salad Bowl
This Sweet Potato Buffalo Chicken Salad Bowl is a vibrant blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors that makes for a perfect wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cooked and diced sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread them on the baking sheet.
3. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, mix the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing.
6. Assemble the salad by layering mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, buffalo chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese in a bowl.
7. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently before serving.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, add some sliced cucumbers or avocado.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas mixed in buffalo sauce.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your spice tolerance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Grain-Free Buffalo Chicken Salad Tacos
This Grain-Free Buffalo Chicken Salad Tacos recipe combines spicy buffalo flavors with crunchy, fresh ingredients for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced celery, sliced green onions, mayonnaise, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
3. Lay the large lettuce leaves flat and evenly distribute the buffalo chicken salad mixture into each leaf.
4. Top with chopped cilantro if desired, then roll or fold the lettuce to create tacos.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy buffalo chicken salad tacos!
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.
- This recipe works great with leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- For added crunch, you can include diced cucumbers or carrots in the salad mix.