Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

The balanced and nutritionally denser mouthfuls of my Buffalo Chicken Salad give a hearty protein kick, and it most certainly satisfies the “chicken salad” urges I get sometimes with its two full cups of shredded chicken. You’ll love it if you like blue cheese as much as I do, and you won’t miss the mayonnaise that’s often in other chicken salads because there are plenty of other luscious ingredients providing a nice binding effect.

This salad is as good when it’s freshly made as it is when it’s been in the fridge overnight, providing even more time for the flavors to meld together.

Ingredients

Chicken That Has Been Cooked: Full of low-fat protein, vital for restoring muscles.

Buffalo sauce: Contributes a zesty, fiery taste to the salad.

Salad Greens Mixed: Fiber, vitamins, and an abundance of antioxidants.

Sweet, juicy, and full of vitamin C, cherry tomatoes are nature’s candy.

Celery has a low number of calories, offers a delightful crunch, and is very good for digestion.

Sharpness and mild sweetness are imparted by red onion.

Crumbled Blue Cheese: Features a soft, creamy texture and a strong, tangy flavor.

Avocado: Offers healthful fats and a creamy texture.

Ranch/Blue Cheese Dressing: The creamy, tangy dressing makes everything taste better.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine in a big mixing bowl the shredded chicken and the Buffalo sauce, and mix them until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Lay out the assorted salad greens in a large bowl or on a platter to form the base of the salad.

3. Distribute evenly over the greens the cherry tomatoes, celery, and red onion.

4. Place the Buffalo chicken in the center of the salad, and make it your medium to express what a marvelous protein-soaked, spicy, vinegary delicacy you have created.

5. Scatter over the chicken and salad mix the crumbled blue cheese.

6. Arrange the avocado slices around the edge of the salad or on top for a presentation that’s visually appealing.

7. Pour the ranch or blue cheese dressing over the whole salad.

8. Ensure the even coverage of salt and pepper in the Salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. If desired, gently toss the salad; however, you may keep it styled and serve with dressing on the side for individual preference.

10. For the best flavor, serve and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Salad immediately!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Serving platter or large salad bowl
4. Measuring cups
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Small bowl or plate for assembling salad components
8. Salad tongs (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?Certainly! A rotisserie chicken adds a lot of flavor and works great in salad.
• What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don’t like it?If you do not like blue cheese, great alternative options are feta or cheddar.
• Is there a way to make this salad spicier?For extra heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prep all ingredients in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
• What’s the best way to shred the chicken?You can use two forks to shred the chicken or opt for a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to get the job done more quickly and efficiently.
• Is there a recommended way to serve this salad?It’s wonderful just by itself, but you can present it with toasted bread or tortilla chips for some crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use Sriracha or another hot sauce if you want a different kick instead of Buffalo sauce.
Use spinach or romaine lettuce in place of mixed salad greens.
Substitute feta cheese for blue cheese to achieve a more subdued flavor.
Substitute ranch or blue cheese dressing with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Replace sliced avocado with sliced cucumber for a crisp and refreshing choice.