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This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a quick and flavorful lunch that comes together in just five minutes. It combines tender chicken with a creamy dressing and a spicy buffalo sauce kick, making it ideal for meal prep, lettuce wraps, or sandwiches on busy weekdays. The balance of protein and bold flavors makes it both satisfying and easy to prepare.
I first made this recipe when I needed something fast but tasty for lunch, and now it has become my go to during hectic days. My friends always ask for the recipe after trying it at my place.
Ingredients
- Chicken: Six and a half ounces cooked or canned chicken breast shredded or cubed key protein that keeps the salad filling
- Red onion: Quarter cup finely chopped red onion adds a mild sharpness and fresh crunch
- Celery: Half a celery stalk diced plus a few leaves for garnish brings crisp texture and freshness
- Baby carrot: One baby carrot chopped contributes subtle sweetness and color
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Quarter cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt creates creaminess Greek yogurt is a lighter option favored for freshness
- Buffalo sauce: Quarter cup Frank's RedHot or preferred buffalo sauce adds signature bold spicy flavor choose your favorite brand for preferred heat level
- Lettuce: Six baby romaine lettuce leaves or your favorite greens a crisp vessel to hold or pair the salad
- Blue cheese dressing: Light blue cheese dressing optional for topping complements buffalo flavor especially if you enjoy creamy dressings
- Salt and black pepper: Salt and black pepper to taste essential seasonings that bring all flavors together
Instructions
- S’habiller le poulet:
- Shred or cube cooked or canned chicken breast into bite sized pieces. Make sure canned chicken is drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Préparer les légumes:
- Finely chop the red onion, dice the celery stalk, and chop the baby carrot. Each adds a distinct texture and flavor layer.
- Mélanger les ingrédients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the chopped vegetables and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Stir gently to mix.
- Ajouter la sauce buffalo:
- Pour in the buffalo sauce little by little while stirring until the chicken mixture is evenly coated and creamy. Adjust amount to control spice level.
- Assaisonner:
- Taste the mixture and add salt and black pepper as desired to balance flavors perfectly.
- Servir:
- Place the salad in romaine lettuce leaves, use it as a sandwich filling, or serve over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
- Décorer et finaliser:
- Garnish with celery leaves for freshness and drizzle lightly with blue cheese dressing if you like a richer touch.
One of my favorite parts about this salad is the way the creamy mayonnaise tames the heat of the buffalo sauce just enough to balance every bite. I remember serving this to close friends during a casual weekend lunch and everyone raved about how simple yet flavorful it was. It quickly became a staple in my recipe rotation.
Storage Tips
Keep the Buffalo Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the salad fresh, store the buffalo sauce and dressing separately and combine just before eating. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy and maintains the crisp texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier flavor without losing creaminess. If you prefer less heat, substitute buffalo sauce with a mild hot sauce or even a smoked paprika vinaigrette. Use shredded rotisserie chicken as an alternative to canned chicken for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salad wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low carb meal or pile it onto toasted sandwich bread with fresh tomato slices. Pair it with crunchy crudités for an easy appetizer. For a complete meal, add a side of sweet potato fries or baked potatoes.
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is a speedy, flavorful option for lunches and meal prep. Adjust the spice and creaminess to suit your taste and enjoy.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels ingrédients composent cette salade ?
Elle comprend du poulet cuit, oignon rouge, céleri, carotte, mayonnaise ou yaourt grec, sauce buffalo, feuilles de laitue et éventuellement un filet de sauce au fromage bleu.
- → Comment ajuster le niveau d'épices ?
Le piquant peut être modulé en variant la quantité de sauce buffalo selon votre goût.
- → Quelle est la meilleure façon de servir cette préparation ?
Elle peut être dégustée en wraps, sur un sandwich ou simplement sur un lit de salade verte.
- → Peut-on conserver cette préparation ?
Oui, les restes se conservent au réfrigérateur dans un récipient hermétique jusqu’à trois jours.
- → Existe-t-il une version plus légère ?
Pour réduire les calories, remplacez la mayonnaise par du yaourt grec nature sans matière grasse.