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Buffalo Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Sophie
Discover the best Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe with pro tips for perfect flavor! Quick, protein-packed, and ready in 15 minutes. Make-ahead friendly!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Base:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce Frank's RedHot recommended
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles plus extra for serving

Fresh Crunch Elements:

  • 2 large celery stalks finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • ¼ cup red onion minced
  • 2 green onions sliced thin
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots optional, but adds great color

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken Base

  • Place your shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. If using freshly cooked chicken, ensure it's completely cooled. Gently break apart any large chunks with a fork until you have bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Create the Buffalo Magic

  • Pour the buffalo sauce directly over your chicken and toss thoroughly until every strand is beautifully coated. Let this sit for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to start melding together.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Elements

  • Add your mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and blue cheese crumbles. Mix gently but thoroughly, aiming for that perfect creamy consistency that holds everything together without being heavy.

Step 4: Incorporate the Crunch

  • Fold in your diced celery, minced red onion, and green onions. The celery adds essential crunch, while the onions bring a sharp bite that complements the buffalo heat beautifully.

Step 5: Season and Perfect

  • Add your lemon juice, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one final gentle mix, then taste and adjust. Need more heat? Add extra buffalo sauce. Want more cooling elements? Toss in additional blue cheese.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  • Let your buffalo chicken salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the incredible flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious final product.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 285 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 920mg
Total Carbohydrates: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 26g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 8% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 6% DV
Keyword Buffalo Chicken Salad, Protein Salad, Spicy Chicken Salad