This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is bold, creamy, and packed with protein. It’s a spicy, tangy twist on traditional chicken salad, perfect for meal prepping or a quick weekday lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love buffalo wings, you’ll love this salad. It delivers the same spicy flavor with none of the mess. Quick to make, high in protein, and versatile, this recipe is ideal for wraps, sandwiches, or lettuce cups. Plus, it’s great for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Celery, finely chopped
- Red onion, minced
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt or mayo with buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded chicken, celery, and red onion.
- Stir until fully combined and coated.
- Fold in cheese if using.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes for best flavor.
- Serve on lettuce, bread, wraps, or as is.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 15–30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 10–40 minutes
Variations
- Use ranch dressing instead of mayo for a ranch-buffalo combo.
- Add avocado for a creamy, healthy fat boost.
- Swap in rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add chopped pickles or carrots for crunch.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping cheese and using a vegan dressing.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Best served cold. Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the dressing.
FAQs
How spicy is buffalo chicken salad?
It’s moderately spicy; adjust the hot sauce to taste.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, it’s a quick and easy alternative.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any wing sauce works.
Is it good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well for several days.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely—it tastes better after chilling.
What can I serve it with?
Great in wraps, on toast, or lettuce cups.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended due to the dairy content.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, especially if made with full-fat Greek yogurt.
Can I use ranch instead of mayo?
Yes, it adds a great flavor twist.
What protein alternatives can I use?
Turkey, tofu, or chickpeas work as substitutes.
Conclusion
Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is spicy, creamy, and satisfying—everything you want in a quick, protein-packed meal. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, or eaten right out of the bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Print
Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A spicy and tangy buffalo chicken salad made with shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, avocado slices
- Optional: lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt (or ranch), mayonnaise (if using), and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the celery and red onion to the buffalo chicken.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve on its own, in lettuce wraps, or in a sandwich or wrap.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep option.
- Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- For a keto version, skip the Greek yogurt and use full-fat ranch dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg