Buffalo Chicken Salad
A flavorful and hearty salad featuring spicy buffalo chicken, crisp greens, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a lunch, light dinner, or game-day appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken grilled, rotisserie, or poached, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter optional, for extra richness
- 8 cups mixed greens romaine, iceberg, or a blend
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 2-4 tablespoons buffalo hot sauce adjust to taste
- Optional: Avocado slices cucumber, shredded carrots
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If using raw chicken, cook it to your preference (grill, poach, etc.). Shred or dice the cooked chicken.
- Make the buffalo chicken: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, and butter (if using). Stir until the chicken is coated and heated through.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch or blue cheese dressing and buffalo hot sauce until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and celery.
- Add the chicken and cheese: Add the buffalo chicken and crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese to the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing: Drizzle the buffalo dressing over the salad.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and any optional toppings (avocado, etc.). Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of buffalo hot sauce to control the spice level.
- For a healthier option, use grilled chicken and a light dressing.
- You can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Get creative with your toppings!
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas, or grilled tofu.
- This salad is also excellent served in a wrap.