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GET IT NOWMy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe Is A Spicy Twist On A Classic
This buffalo chicken salad recipe is kind of the best of both worlds. It’s a cross between my favorite buffalo wings and a classic chicken salad. Creamy, crunchy, spicy, and scoopable, it hits every craving and comes together in minutes. I make it when I want something bold and satisfying for lunch that’s still super easy to meal prep. If you’re into buffalo-anything like I am, here’s why this one’s going on repeat:
- Classic flavor combo – Tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, blue cheese, and crunchy celery hit all the right notes. Love that buffalo flavor? Try my baked buffalo chicken, buffalo zucchini boats, Instant Pot buffalo chicken dip, or buffalo cauliflower next.
- 10-minute meal prep win – Just stir everything together and it’s ready to chill. I make a batch early in the week and lunch is handled.
- No cooking needed – As long as you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, you’re good to go. Total lazy meal approved.
Make it with me. It’s spicy, satisfying, and perfect any day of the week.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my buffalo chicken salad recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Shredded Chicken Breast – I usually make a big batch in the pressure cooker, but rotisserie chicken or shredded baked chicken totally works if you want to keep it easy.
- Ranch Dressing – Homemade ranch always tastes best to me (mine’s just mayo, sour cream, herbs, and spices), but store-bought works too. If you’re a blue cheese fan, you can swap in blue cheese dressing instead.
- Blue Cheese – I like to crumble it myself from a block for the best flavor, but pre-crumbled is super convenient. Not into blue cheese? Try shredded cheddar instead.
- Buffalo Sauce – I stick with a classic like Frank’s Red Hot for that familiar buffalo flavor, but use your favorite buffalo sauce here.
- Celery – I dice it pretty small so it blends right into the healthy buffalo chicken salad. Not a celery person? Red onion adds a nice crunch too.
- Green Onions – These give a little pop of fresh flavor on top. Chives would work if that’s what you’ve got.
How To Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Mix it up. In a big bowl, combine the chicken, ranch, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, celery, and green onions. You can season with salt and pepper if you want, but I usually skip it since everything’s already super flavorful.
- Chill. Pop the buffalo chicken salad in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. Drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce on top if you like it saucy.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Buffalo chicken, crisp veggies, and bold flavor — this easy buffalo chicken salad makes quick, high-protein lunches you’ll actually crave.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, diced celery, and green onions. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
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Chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat, which will help the flavors develop.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for easy ways to enjoy this buffalo chicken salad, whether you’re scooping, stuffing, or sandwiching it.
- Store: Keep this buffalo chicken salad in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: You can make the chicken ahead and mix later, or prep the whole salad and portion it out for easy grab-and-go meals.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Buffalo Chicken Salad
Serving Ideas
Not sure how to serve it? Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this buffalo chicken salad:
- Lettuce or greens – I usually go with butter lettuce or romaine for wraps, but it’s just as good tossed into a BBQ-style chicken salad with extra ranch.
- Sandwiches – Turn it into a sandwich with your favorite bread. I use my almond flour bread or flaxseed bread, but whatever works for you is perfect.
- Dip – Grab some baked tortilla chips, flax seed crackers, or veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or celery and scoop it up like a dip.
6 Comments
Holly
0Made this for lunch today. It’s delicious!!!!! I had it on my low carb wraps. Will definitely make this again 😃😃
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Holly! What a yummy lunch.
Sarah Williams
0I made this recipe for my daughter and she loved it. I will be making this again. Thank you for sharing this.?
Agnes
0I love anything buffalo flavored! This is tasty and great for making ahead of time for a quick lunch. Thank you!
Kristyn
0Yum!! Love this buffalo chicken salad! It has tons of flavor & isn’t too spicy!
Taylor
0This is so easy to make and so delicious! Perfect to make for lunches throughout the week. Love serving with lettuce wraps or on top of a big salad!