Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad: Your Ultimate Guide to a Spicy, Satisfying Meal
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with this incredible Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad! It features perfectly cooked, crispy buffalo chicken tenders served generously over a bed of fresh, crisp romaine lettuce, complemented by vibrant carrots, crunchy celery, creamy cheese, and rich avocado. The whole dish is then drizzled with a homemade spicy ranch dressing, delivering a satisfying blend of heat and refreshing coolness in every bite. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that perfectly balances indulgence with freshness, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.
Gone are the days when salads were relegated to mere accompaniments. With the right combination of robust protein, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and dynamic, flavorful toppings, a salad can easily transform into a satisfying, standalone dinner. This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad exemplifies just that, offering a fulfilling experience that nourishes the body while exciting the palate. It’s a testament to how creative salad making can be, turning simple ingredients into a meal you’ll crave.
If you’re a devoted fan of buffalo chicken, the culinary adventure doesn’t stop here. You’ll definitely want to explore other exciting variations. For a fantastic on-the-go option, our Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap uses almost all the same delicious ingredients, conveniently folded into a tortilla for a perfect lunch. And for those who prefer their buffalo chicken in a classic format, these mouth-watering Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches are an absolute must-try!
Essential Ingredients for Your Buffalo Chicken Salad
For the complete measurements and detailed instructions, please make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Romaine Lettuce: Chosen for its exceptional crispness and sturdy texture, romaine lettuce provides the perfect base for this hearty salad. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the spicy chicken and creamy dressing, but feel free to substitute with your preferred greens like iceberg, spring mix, or even spinach for a different nutritional profile.
- Carrots: We recommend using store-bought shredded carrots or matchstick carrots for ultimate convenience, saving you valuable prep time. Their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch add a delightful contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
- Celery: A classic pairing with buffalo flavors, thinly sliced celery offers an additional layer of crispness and a refreshing, slightly bitter note that cuts through the richness of the dressing and cheese.
- Avocado: While optional, we believe avocado is a fantastic addition to most salads, and this one is no exception! Its creamy texture and healthy fats provide a luxurious counterpoint to the heat, adding a smooth, rich element that makes the salad even more satisfying.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is our go-to choice, offering a familiar, savory flavor and a pleasant melty texture. However, if you’re a fan of a bolder taste, blue cheese crumbles are an excellent alternative, bringing a pungent, tangy kick that pairs exceptionally well with buffalo sauce.
- Chicken: The star of the show! For ease and consistent crispiness, store-bought crispy chicken nuggets or tenders are highly recommended. Alternatively, you can prepare your own fried chicken tenders, or opt for healthier options like grilled, baked, or air-fried chicken breast, then toss them in buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Sauce: The key to that signature spicy flavor. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a popular and reliable choice, but any brand you love will work perfectly. Adjust the amount to control your preferred level of heat.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy chicken. A good quality store-bought ranch dressing works wonders, but for an elevated flavor experience, consider making our Homemade Ranch Dressing, which takes this salad to the next level of deliciousness.
The beauty of crafting a salad lies in its incredible versatility. It’s an open canvas, allowing you to tailor every component to your exact preferences. Take the cheese, for example: I often use cheddar because it’s my personal favorite, while my husband prefers blue cheese and always incorporates it into his version. This flexibility means you can truly make this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad your own, selecting the ingredients and toppings that best suit your taste and dietary needs.
Elevate Your Salad: More Topping Ideas
While the core ingredients create a fantastic foundation, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional toppings to enhance textures and flavors:
- Corn Kernels: Add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, especially great when grilled or roasted.
- Bell Peppers: Sliced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers contribute vibrant color and a sweet, crisp crunch.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions (scallions) provide a mild, fresh onion flavor and an appealing garnish.
- Red Onions: Thinly sliced red onions offer a sharper, more pungent flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a zesty bite.
- Bleu Cheese Crumbles: If you didn’t choose it as your primary cheese, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles offers a tangy, salty punch.
- Croutons: For an extra layer of crunch and a satisfying chew, especially with a less crispy chicken option.
- Tomatoes: Diced cherry or grape tomatoes add a juicy, acidic burst that complements the rich and spicy flavors.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives can add a briny, savory depth to the salad.
Simple Steps to Crafting Your Buffalo Chicken Salad
Creating this delicious and satisfying Buffalo Chicken Salad is straightforward and offers flexibility to suit your cooking style. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:
- The initial and most crucial step is to prepare your chicken. As seen in the accompanying photos, we opted for crispy chicken tenders to achieve that traditional fried buffalo chicken experience. Simply bake store-bought tenders according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you have several excellent options: use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick fix, grill or bake fresh chicken breasts until fully cooked, or even utilize our highly-rated Air Fryer Chicken Breast recipe. Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, dice or shred it, then generously toss it with buffalo sauce to coat thoroughly.
- While your chicken is cooking, seize the opportunity to assemble your salad base. In a spacious bowl or on a large platter, arrange a generous amount of freshly chopped romaine lettuce. Then, artfully arrange your chosen toppings, including shredded carrots, sliced celery, creamy avocado slices, and your preferred cheese (cheddar or blue cheese crumbles).
- Next, it’s time to prepare the irresistible spicy ranch dressing. In a small bowl, combine your ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade) with a tablespoon of buffalo sauce. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding a little more buffalo sauce if you desire an extra kick.
- Once your chicken is cooked and beautifully coated in buffalo sauce, add it directly to your prepared salad, distributing it evenly over the fresh greens and toppings.
- Finally, serve your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad immediately. Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing generously over the entire salad, or serve it on the side for individual preference. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Salad
Achieving the perfect Buffalo Chicken Salad is easy with a few simple tricks and customization options. Here are some recipe tips to help you get the most out of your meal:
- Healthier Grilled Chicken Option: If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, opt for grilled or baked chicken breast instead of crispy tenders. Simply cook the chicken until done, then chop or shred it before tossing it generously with buffalo sauce. This method also works wonderfully with pre-cooked chicken from the store – just heat it slightly, toss with sauce, and add to your salad for a quick and nutritious meal.
- Add Extra Crunch with Croutons: When using grilled chicken or if you simply love a textural contrast, a handful of croutons can make a world of difference. They add a satisfying crunch that complements the crisp vegetables and tender chicken. For the ultimate flavor and texture, try making our Homemade Croutons – they truly elevate any salad.
- Keep Your Salad Fresh: Hold The Dressing: To prevent your salad from becoming soggy, always add the dressing just before serving. If you’re preparing this salad for meal prep or expect leftovers, store the dressing separately and toss it with individual portions right before eating. This ensures every bite is as fresh and crisp as possible.
- Customizable Cheese Swaps: Your choice of cheese can significantly impact the flavor profile. While shredded cheddar is a popular choice for its mild, creamy taste, blue cheese crumbles are a fantastic alternative if you appreciate a bolder, tangier flavor that harmonizes beautifully with buffalo sauce. You can even take it a step further and use blue cheese dressing instead of spicy ranch for a different kind of kick!
- Choose Your Favorite Buffalo Sauce: The quality and flavor of your buffalo sauce are paramount. I have a long-standing preference for Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce because of its consistent flavor and balanced heat, but don’t hesitate to use your personal favorite brand. Experiment to find the one that best suits your palate.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad is excellent for meal prep. Keep all components separate in airtight containers: chicken, greens, veggies, and dressing. Assemble each portion fresh when ready to eat for maximum freshness and flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce in both the chicken and the dressing to match your preferred spice level. For more heat, add extra sauce; for less, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount slightly.
Don’t let leftover buffalo sauce go to waste! There are countless delicious ways to incorporate that fiery flavor into other dishes. Try our Buffalo Chicken Burger for a hearty meal, these crowd-pleasing Buffalo Chicken Sliders perfect for entertaining, or even a comforting bowl of Buffalo Chicken Pasta. The possibilities are endless for enjoying that fantastic buffalo taste!
Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes
If you love the versatility and freshness of salads, be sure to check out our other popular salad recipes for more inspiration:
- Classic Chicken Caesar Salad
- Grilled Chicken Antipasto Salad
- Southwest Cobb Salad
- BLT Salad
- Dorito Taco Salad
- Chinese Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
4
Pin Recipe
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Ingredients
-
8
cups
chopped romaine lettuce -
1
cup
matchstick carrots -
1
stalk celery,
sliced -
1
avocado,
sliced -
1/2
cup
shredded cheddar cheese,
or blue cheese crumbles -
1
pound
crispy chicken tenders (frozen or fresh) -
1/4
cup
+ 1 Tablespoon buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) -
1/2
cup
ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
-
Cook chicken according to package directions for crispy tenders, or if using chicken breasts, grill, bake, or air fry until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for a few minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated.1 pound chicken tenders,
1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon buffalo wing sauce -
Meanwhile, prepare the spicy ranch dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup ranch dressing with 1 Tablespoon of buffalo wing sauce until thoroughly combined. Taste the dressing and add more buffalo sauce if you prefer a spicier flavor.1/2 cup ranch dressing
-
In a large serving bowl or on a platter, arrange the chopped romaine lettuce. Then, artfully layer the matchstick carrots, sliced celery, avocado slices, and shredded cheddar cheese (or blue cheese crumbles). Feel free to add any other desired toppings at this stage.8 cups chopped romaine lettuce,
1 cup matchstick carrots,
1 stalk celery,
1 avocado,
1/2 cup cheddar cheese -
Once the buffalo chicken is ready, add it to the assembled salad, distributing it evenly over the greens and other toppings.
-
Serve the salad immediately with the spicy ranch dressing drizzled generously on top, or offer it on the side so everyone can add their desired amount. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad!
Nutrition
Calories:
645
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
35
g
|
Protein:
28
g
|
Fat:
45
g
|
Saturated Fat:
9
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
32
g
|
Cholesterol:
75
mg
|
Sodium:
1413
mg
|
Fiber:
8
g
|
Sugar:
5
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
Dinner Recipes, Lunch
American
4
645
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