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Buffalo Chicken Salad is flavorful, creamy, and incredibly easy to make! This healthy chicken salad recipe is packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and plenty of buffalo flavor for a simple lunch or dinner everyone will love. This recipe comes together in only about 20 minutes, and is perfect for busy weekdays or meal prep!
An Easy and Healthy Meal for the Win!
My summer bucket list always includes plenty of evenings spent outside, hanging out by the neighborhood pool, and packing up an easy dinner to enjoy together. This Buffalo Chicken Salad was created from my love of classic chicken salad and all things buffalo sauce.
While we usually enjoy favorites like my Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon or Mango Curry Chicken Salad, I wanted to create a new flavor combination that would keep things exciting. The spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy vegetables come together for a chicken salad that is anything but boring!
For those days when you do not feel like cooking, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is here to save the day. It uses simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and is a great way to use leftover chicken or prepped shredded chicken. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy carrots and celery, and creamy dressing makes this an easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
As a nutritionist, I love creating healthy recipes that are full of protein and fiber while still being packed with flavor! This Buffalo Chicken Salad checks all the boxes. It is low carb, Keto-friendly, and can easily be served in a wrap, sandwich, or lettuce cups depending on what you are craving. A winner winner chicken dinner in my house!!
Why You Will Love This Buffalo Chicken Salad
This recipe is one of my favorite healthy lunch ideas because it is:
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
- Packed with protein to keep you satisfied
- Great for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners
- Naturally low carb and Keto friendly
- Full of bold buffalo flavor without being complicated
How to make Buffalo Chicken Salad
This recipe could not be easier! You only need about 20 minutes and a few simple steps.
Start by preparing your chicken. For an easy shortcut, use about 3 cups of pre cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken or canned chicken. You can also cook about 1 pound of chicken breast in the oven and shred it once cooled.
For the creamy texture, you can use whipped cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. If using cottage cheese, blend it first until smooth and creamy.
The most time-consuming part of this entire recipe is chopping the vegetables, and even that only takes a few minutes! Combine the shredded chicken with ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, carrots, celery, and green onion. Stir everything together until well combined, then enjoy immediately or store it for easy lunches throughout the week.
If you love easy chicken salad recipes, you may also enjoy this Creamy Mediterranean Chicken Salad (No Mayo). It is a fresh, high protein option made with chickpeas and yogurt, and it is delicious served in my Whipped Egg White Wrap for an easy lunch.
Tips for Success
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time and make this recipe even easier.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Make a batch ahead of time for an easy high protein lunch throughout the week.
- Serve it in lettuce cups, a wrap, over greens, or as a sandwich filling for variety.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast*
- 2/3 cup Ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup Diced celery
- 1/2 cup Diced carrots
- 3 tbsp Diced green onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Collard Greens, Romaine lettuce, or wrap of choice to serve
- Blue cheese crumbles , (optional for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, (optional for serving)
Instructions
- If using raw chicken breast, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Alternatively, you can use canned chicken or pre-cooked chicken. Place your chicken breast on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven to cook for 20-25 minutes. Let cool about 10 minutes, then shred with a knife and fork.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with ranch dressing, yogurt, buffalo hot sauce, celery, carrots, and green onion. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Place chicken salad inside a collard green wrap or wrap of choice and serve with fresh cilantro and blue cheese if desired.
Notes
- To serve: I love serving these inside a collard greens wrap or romaine lettuce wrap. This is the perfect way to enjoy a Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 variation. To use a collard greens wrap, remove the stem for easier folding. You can also serve with greens, like arugula, as a simple salad.
- For a kid-friendly variation: you can use a tortilla or sandwich bread. Top with optional cilantro for another element of flavor.
- To store: use an air tight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. I love this recipe for meal prep! I can keep my buffalo chicken in the fridge and enjoy it throughout the week. You can serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
