Buffalo chicken salad

Buffalo chicken salad combines spicy buffalo chicken with crisp lettuce, carrots, and celery, dressed with ranch and blue cheese for a fresh, zesty meal. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, balancing heat and creaminess.

15 Nov 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

2 heads lettuce
1 cup carrots
2 stalks celery
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup blue cheese
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter
2 chicken breasts
4 tbsp pepper sauce
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper

Buffalo chicken salad is a delicious and spicy twist on the classic chicken salad. This recipe combines the heat of buffalo sauce with the cool, crisp freshness of lettuce, carrots, and celery, all tied together with ranch and blue cheese dressings. It's a perfect dish for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Vegetables:
- Start by washing and chopping the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped lettuce into a large salad bowl.
- Peel and shred or thinly slice the carrots and add them to the salad bowl.
- Wash and slice the celery into thin pieces and add it to the salad as well.

2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- While the oil is heating, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with a dash of salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of pepper sauce until well combined.

4. Coat the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the butter and pepper sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Assemble the Salad:
- Add the cooked buffalo chicken pieces to the bowl with the lettuce, carrots, and celery.

6. Dress the Salad:
- Pour 1/2 cup of ranch dressing over the salad.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese on top.

7. Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Salad!

This buffalo chicken salad packs a punch with its spicy, tangy flavors, and creamy dressings. It's a versatile and satisfying meal that you can enjoy on its own or as a filling for wraps. Follow the tips to customize it to your liking, and you're sure to have a hearty and flavorful meal that's both refreshing and exciting.

Buffalo chicken salad FAQ:

How long should I cook the chicken for this salad?

Cook the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Ensure they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I prep this salad in advance?

You can prepare the salad ingredients, like the vegetables and cooked chicken, in advance. However, it's best to dress the salad right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

What can I use instead of blue cheese dressing?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute blue cheese dressing with additional ranch dressing or use a different creamy dressing of your choice.

What type of pepper sauce works best for this recipe?

A traditional hot sauce like Frank's RedHot is commonly used for buffalo chicken salads, but you can choose any hot sauce that suits your heat preference.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover buffalo chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Tips:

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and mix it with the buffalo sauce mixture.

- For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing and swap blue cheese with feta.

- Ensure that your lettuce is completely dry before mixing it with other ingredients to avoid a soggy salad.

- If you prefer more spice, add an extra dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes.

- Chop the vegetables finely for a more evenly distributed flavor in every bite.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 370kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 14g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 5g
Fat 30g

Buffalo chicken salad