Quick Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Finding a satisfying lunch that’s both filling and good for you can feel like an impossible task. Between back-to-back meetings and trying to squeeze in a quick break at your desk, the usual sandwich or takeout options start to get old really fast, and keeping things interesting without sacrificing nutrition becomes a real struggle.

That’s why this buffalo chicken salad has become my go-to solution: it’s packed with protein, easy to prep ahead of time, and brings just the right amount of spice to wake up your taste buds during that midday slump.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

When it comes to making buffalo chicken salad, you’ve got several good options for your chicken base. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and brings plenty of flavor to the dish – just pull it apart with two forks and you’re ready to go. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work great – you can poach them in water with a bit of salt, or bake them in the oven until they reach 165°F. Dark meat from chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and stay more moist, while breast meat is leaner but can dry out more easily. Just make sure your chicken has cooled completely before shredding it and mixing with the other ingredients to prevent the mayo and yogurt from breaking down.

Options for Substitutions

This easy buffalo chicken salad is pretty adaptable – here are some swaps you can try:

• Shredded chicken: While rotisserie chicken is super convenient, you can also use canned chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even turkey. Just make sure to shred or chop it well.
• Buffalo sauce: This is a key ingredient for the signature taste, but you can use any brand you like. If you need less heat, mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of butter to tone it down.
• Greek yogurt: Regular plain yogurt works too, though the salad might be slightly less creamy. You can also just use all mayonnaise if you prefer.
• Avocado oil mayonnaise: Any mayonnaise will work here – regular, light, or even vegan mayo are all good options.
• Red onion: Not a fan of red onion? Try sweet onion or shallots instead. You can also skip it if you’re not big on raw onion.
• Celery: If you don’t like celery, try diced cucumber or jicama for that nice crunch. You can also leave it out completely.
• Blue cheese: Not everyone loves blue cheese – feel free to use feta, ranch dressing, or skip it altogether.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making buffalo chicken salad is using chicken that’s too hot – always let your cooked chicken cool completely before mixing, or you’ll end up with a runny, separated dressing that won’t coat the chicken properly. Another common error is adding too much buffalo sauce at once – it’s better to start with half the amount and gradually add more to reach your desired heat level, since you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in. To keep your salad from becoming watery, make sure to finely dice your celery and onions, and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the mix. For the creamiest texture, let your Greek yogurt and mayo come to room temperature before combining them with the other ingredients, and allow the finished salad to chill for at least an hour so the flavors can properly blend together.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Salad?

This spicy, creamy buffalo chicken salad is super flexible when it comes to serving options! For a low-carb lunch, serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce leaves or wrap it in butter lettuce cups for a fresh crunch. If you’re going the sandwich route, try it on toasted whole grain bread with some extra lettuce and tomato slices, or stuff it in a pita pocket with cucumber slices. For a fun party spread, put out some celery sticks, carrot sticks, and crackers so people can scoop it up however they like. Since the buffalo chicken has a kick to it, cool ranch dressing on the side makes a nice addition for dipping your veggies.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This buffalo chicken salad stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better after a day as everything mingles together! Just give it a quick stir before serving since some liquid might settle at the bottom.

Meal Prep: You can easily prep this ahead for quick lunches throughout the week. I like to keep the green onions and blue cheese separate and add them just before eating to maintain their fresh taste and texture. If you’re making sandwiches, pack the buffalo chicken salad separately from the bread to prevent sogginess.

Note: I don’t recommend freezing this salad since mayo and Greek yogurt can separate when frozen, and the celery and onions would lose their nice crunch. Plus, the texture just wouldn’t be the same after thawing.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 35-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works well)
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tablespoons greek yogurt (full-fat)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise made with avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to your liking
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
• Blue cheese crumbles for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Combine Chicken Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the cooked and shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, diced red onion, chopped celery, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.

Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 2: Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Taste the mixture and decide if it needs more Greek yogurt, mayo, salt, or pepper based on your preference.

Adjust the seasoning and creaminess as needed by adding a little more yogurt or mayo at a time and stirring it in well.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

You can enjoy the chicken salad right away for a fresh and zesty snack.

Alternatively, chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator before serving for a more enhanced flavor.

Serve it in your preferred style: pair with crackers for a delicious snack or appetizer, spread onto bread or wrap for a tasty sandwich, or place over a bed of greens for a refreshing salad.