There's nothing quite like the zing of Buffalo Chicken Salad to kick up your weeknight dinner routine. This easy, flavorful dish brings together spicy, tender chicken with crisp greens, crunchy veggies, and a cooling, creamy dressing that balances the heat.

I first whipped up this salad on a whim, using leftover shredded rotisserie chicken and a bottle of hot sauce I'd almost forgotten in the pantry. The combination was an instant hit! Now, it's a go-to meal when we crave something quick, zesty, and a little different from the usual.
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a fiery, mouthwatering salad? Let’s get to it.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Salad
Get ready to fall in love with this spicy, savory salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also comes together in no time, making it a dream for busy weeknights or even meal prep.
First and foremost, this recipe is quick and fuss-free. With just 15 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have a complete meal bursting with texture and taste. It’s ideal when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and filling.
Buffalo Chicken Salad is also endlessly customizable. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like, add your favorite crunchy veggies, or even turn it into wraps or sandwiches for a different experience. No more boring salads – this one keeps things exciting!
Did I mention it’s great for feeding a crowd? Serve it at your next game day gathering, and watch it disappear in no time. The balance of heat and cooling elements will win over even the pickiest eaters.
Plus, this dish is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it perfect for a wide range of dietary needs. If you’re watching carbs, skip the croutons, or load up on extra veggies. Trust me – you’ll keep coming back to this one!
Now that you’re excited, let’s break down what you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

The secret to a perfect Buffalo Chicken Salad lies in the combination of simple, fresh ingredients with that signature spicy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: I usually go for shredded rotisserie chicken because it’s fast and easy, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken breasts. The goal is juicy, flavorful chicken that soaks up all the Buffalo sauce goodness.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! I love using Frank's RedHot for an authentic Buffalo flavor, but you can adjust the heat level based on your preference. For a milder salad, add a bit of melted butter to cut the heat.
- Greens: A crisp base is key to balancing the spicy chicken. Romaine lettuce works great here, but you can also use a spring mix or crunchy iceberg for extra texture.
- Veggies: Think celery and carrots – classic pairings with Buffalo chicken. Their crunch contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken, adding freshness to every bite. Don’t skip the diced red onion for a subtle bite, or add cucumbers for even more crunch.
- Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese is a must if you’re a fan of that tangy, creamy flavor. If blue cheese isn’t your thing, shredded cheddar or feta make great alternatives.
- Dressing: You can’t have Buffalo chicken without a creamy, cooling dressing. Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly, and you can use store-bought or make your own for extra flavor.
Special Equipment Tip: If you want perfectly cooked chicken every time, consider using a meat thermometer. It’s a game-changer for getting juicy chicken without overcooking.
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Salad

Making this salad is as simple as tossing a few fresh ingredients together. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Start by preparing your chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces and set aside. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then sear or grill until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
While your chicken is cooking, wash and chop your greens. Roughly chop your Romaine lettuce and transfer it to a large salad bowl. Dice your celery, carrots, and red onion, then scatter them over the greens. These crunchy veggies add the perfect texture.
Once your chicken is ready, toss it in a bowl with Buffalo sauce, making sure each piece is coated well. If you like extra heat, feel free to add a few dashes of hot sauce. Let the flavors meld for a minute or two before assembling the salad.
Next, arrange the Buffalo chicken over the salad greens. Sprinkle on crumbled blue cheese or your preferred alternative, and drizzle generously with your chosen dressing. If you’re making this salad ahead, keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
Finally, top with extra veggies or a handful of croutons if you’d like. This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but you can also meal prep components for easy assembly throughout the week.
Total Time: From start to finish, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful salad in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or lazy lunches!
Storage Options
Buffalo Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store components separately to keep everything crisp and delicious.
- Chicken: Store cooked Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep it juicy.
- Greens and Veggies: Keep chopped greens and veggies in a separate container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This will help them stay crisp for 2-3 days.
- Dressing: If using homemade dressing, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Shake well before serving.
When ready to serve, toss everything together and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs.
- Make It a Wrap: For a heartier meal, wrap the salad in a large tortilla or serve in pita pockets. Perfect for on-the-go lunches!
- Add Avocado: Creamy diced avocado adds a delicious contrast to the spicy chicken. It’s a great way to boost the healthy fats and make the salad extra filling.
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try crispy tofu, grilled shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Mild Version: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the Buffalo sauce and add a tablespoon of melted butter to mellow out the heat.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or crispy bacon bits for even more texture and flavor.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and I’d love to hear about your favorite variations
PrintEasy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe is packed with spicy buffalo chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing. It's a simple, delicious, and satisfying option for lunch or dinner, making it a perfect high-protein, low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Buffalo sauce
- Celery, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Carrots, shredded
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Fresh lettuce or mixed greens
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce, mixing well until evenly coated.
- Add diced celery, red onion, and shredded carrots to the bowl and toss to combine.
- If using, add blue cheese crumbles and mix in gently.
- Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and toss lightly to coat all ingredients.
- Serve over a bed of fresh lettuce or mixed greens.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and additional blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your desired heat level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leave a Reply