Buffalo chicken salad offers a spicy, tangy, and creamy delight that will have you craving more. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing game day snack. It’s surprisingly easy to make and allows for endless variations to satisfy every taste bud.
The Beauty of Buffalo Chicken Salad
What makes Buffalo chicken salad so special? It combines the crispy freshness of vegetables with the satisfyingly spicy kick of Buffalo sauce. The creamy dressing brings it all together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, but recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce (use your favorite brand or try our homemade recipe!)
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tools of the Trade:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Cook and shred or dice your chicken. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
- Chop the celery and red onion into small pieces for optimal texture.
Make the Creamy Buffalo Dressing:
- In the small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
Assemble Your Masterpiece:
- In the large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and red onion.
- Pour the prepared Buffalo dressing over the chicken and vegetables.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Time to Plate and Serve:
- Spoon the Buffalo chicken salad onto a bed of lettuce, or enjoy it as a wrap filling.
- Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Tips for a Tastier Salad:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped cucumbers.
- Control the heat. Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your liking. For those who prefer a milder flavor, start with less and gradually add more.
- Make it a meal prep dream. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver.
What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, try crumbled feta cheese, shredded cheddar, or simply omit it.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator.
Buffalo Chicken Salad Ingredients
Take Your Taste Buds on an Adventure!
This Buffalo chicken salad recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. For more delightful salad dressings and exciting variations, check out our recipe for Chipotle Ranch Dressing and Jalapeño Ranch Dressing. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and share your delicious creations with us in the comments below!
Buffalo Chicken Salad Serving
