There’s something magical about the spicy tang of Buffalo chicken paired with the crisp crunch of fresh veggies. This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Whether you’re a fan of heat or just love a good twist on a classic, this salad is guaranteed to delight.

I first whipped up this recipe on a whim, hoping to use up some leftover chicken and my favorite hot sauce. The result? A zesty, creamy, and utterly satisfying salad that has become a staple in my house. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Get ready to enjoy a salad that’s anything but boring. This Buffalo Chicken Salad delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures, all while being quick to make and customizable for any occasion.

Fast and fuss-free: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep.
Packed with flavor: The spicy kick of Buffalo sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing and crisp veggies, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, in wraps, or as a dip with tortilla chips for game day gatherings. The possibilities are endless!
Healthy and satisfying: Loaded with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a tangy yogurt-based dressing, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Once you try it, you’ll see why this salad is destined to become a regular on your menu.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Salad lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooked chicken: Whether you use shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or leftover chicken from last night’s dinner, this recipe is flexible. Aim for about 3 cups.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the dish! Use your favorite brand of Buffalo sauce, adjusting the quantity to match your heat preference.
Greek yogurt: This lightens up the dressing while keeping it creamy. If you prefer, you can use mayonnaise or a mix of both.
Celery and carrots: These crunchy veggies add texture and complement the spicy chicken. Dice them finely for an even bite.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, zesty contrast to the creaminess.
Blue cheese crumbles: Optional but highly recommended! The tangy richness of blue cheese takes this salad to the next level.
Romaine lettuce: For the base of the salad. You can also mix in other greens like spinach or arugula.

Special Equipment

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe. A large mixing bowl, a sharp knife for chopping veggies, and a whisk for the dressing are all you need.

How to Make This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Making this Buffalo Chicken Salad is as simple as it gets. Follow these steps for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dish:

Prep the chicken: Start with your cooked chicken. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, a splash of Buffalo sauce, and a touch of garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra hot sauce if you like it spicier.
Add the veggies: Dice the celery, carrots, and red onion, then toss them with the chicken in the large bowl. The crunch of these veggies is essential to the dish’s texture.
Combine everything: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated. Fold in the blue cheese crumbles if using.
Assemble the salad: Arrange a bed of romaine lettuce on a serving plate or in a bowl. Top with the Buffalo chicken mixture and garnish with extra hot sauce or green onions if desired.

This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours if needed. The flavors meld together beautifully over time!

Storage Options

This Buffalo Chicken Salad is great for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it for the best results:

Refrigerator: Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate to prevent it from wilting.
Freezer: While not ideal for freezing due to the dressing, you can freeze the chicken portion separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and toss with fresh dressing and veggies when ready to eat.
Reheating: This salad is typically served cold, but if you prefer warm chicken, reheat it gently in a skillet before adding it to the greens.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Play with the greens: Try a mix of kale, spinach, or spring greens for a different base.
Add some crunch: Crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions make excellent toppings.
Tone down the heat: Mix your Buffalo sauce with a bit of honey or barbecue sauce for a milder flavor.
Make it a wrap: Roll the Buffalo chicken mixture in a large tortilla for an on-the-go meal.

Experiment with these ideas and see what combination you love most. The beauty of this dish is its endless versatility!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick, satisfying meal, this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is sure to hit the spot. The bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and creamy dressing will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try it tonight and see why this recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen!