Description
Buffalo Chicken Salad is a fiery and flavorful dish that elevates the classic salad experience. Featuring tender chicken coated in zesty buffalo sauce, this salad is served over a vibrant mix of fresh greens and topped with your choice of delicious add-ins. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings, it combines protein-rich chicken with a variety of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing for a well-rounded meal. With quick preparation in under an hour, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious—ideal for those busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Enjoy the kick of spice while keeping it healthy!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank's RedHot is recommended)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 8 cups mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (or ranch dressing, for a milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Avocado, diced
- Cucumber, sliced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Tortilla strips or croutons
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Rub with olive oil and seasonings; cook via pan-fry, grill, or bake until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest before shredding.
- Prepare buffalo sauce by melting butter and mixing in hot sauce and vinegar.
- Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce.
- Combine mixed greens with veggies; add buffalo chicken on top.
- Finish with desired toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Frying/Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added crunch, serve with crispy tortilla strips or croutons. Adjust spice levels by varying cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix. Keep components separate if preparing ahead to maintain freshness.