Creamy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe – Family Favorite
There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and crisp vegetables all coming together in one incredible bowl. This buffalo chicken salad is creamy, packed with bold flavors, and ridiculously easy to throw together.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick lunch solution, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag. If you loved our classic chicken Caesar salad, get ready to fall head over heels for this spicy twist!
What is Buffalo Chicken Salad?
Ever wonder why this dish gets its name? Buffalo chicken salad brings together the iconic flavors of buffalo wings—that perfect marriage of hot sauce and creamy dressing—but transforms them into a lighter, more practical meal. Instead of messy wings, you get all that tangy, spicy goodness mixed with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables.
As they say, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and this recipe is about to steal yours! Don’t wait another minute—grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Salad
The Perfect Balance of Heat and Flavor
This isn’t just another chicken salad drowning in mayo. The buffalo sauce adds that signature kick you crave, while the creamy dressing cools everything down to perfection. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures—tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and sweet carrots all coated in that irresistible tangy sauce. The flavors are bold enough to excite your taste buds but balanced enough to enjoy for lunch without reaching for a gallon of milk.
Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Skip the overpriced takeout! Making buffalo chicken salad at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at restaurants or prepared food sections. A rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store costs around $5-7 and makes enough salad to feed your family multiple times. Add in some basic pantry staples and fresh vegetables, and you’ve got a budget-friendly meal that tastes like you spent way more.
Customizable Toppings That Make It Yours
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Want to add blue cheese crumbles for that classic buffalo wing experience? Go for it! Prefer a milder version with ranch dressing instead? Absolutely! You can pile it on crispy lettuce leaves, stuff it into a wrap, spread it on toasted bread, or even serve it as a dip with crackers. If you enjoyed our Southwest chicken salad, you’ll appreciate how this buffalo version offers completely different flavor profiles while maintaining that same customizable spirit. Why settle for boring lunches when you can create something this delicious at home?
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Quick Overview
This buffalo chicken salad comes together faster than ordering delivery. You’ll love how simple it is—just mix cooked chicken with vegetables and a zesty dressing, and you’re done! The creamy, spicy sauce clings to every piece of chicken and vegetable, creating a satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours. The best part? No cooking required if you use pre-cooked chicken.
Total Time: 15 minutes Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes (using rotisserie chicken) Servings: 6 servings
Key Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Salad
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 rotisserie chicken breast)
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Extra buffalo sauce
- Ranch dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
How do I prepare the chicken for buffalo chicken salad?
If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, simply remove the breast meat and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. Discard the skin and bones. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot of simmering water or broth.
Cook for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool completely before shredding. You can also use a slow cooker—place chicken breasts with 1 cup of water or broth, cook on low for 4 hours, then shred.
How do I make the buffalo dressing?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and buffalo sauce. Whisk them together until completely smooth and well-blended. Add the garlic powder and onion powder, then season with salt and black pepper.
Taste the dressing and adjust the buffalo sauce according to your heat preference—add more for extra kick or less if you prefer milder flavors. The Greek yogurt not only adds protein but also helps balance the spiciness while keeping the dressing creamy.
How do I chop the vegetables properly?
Use a sharp knife to finely dice the celery into small, uniform pieces about 1/4-inch in size. Nobody wants to bite into a huge chunk of celery in their salad! Do the same with the red onion—dice it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
For the carrots, you can either use pre-shredded carrots from the store to save time, or shred fresh carrots using a box grater. Slice the green onions thinly, using both the white and light green parts. If using parsley, roughly chop it into small pieces.
How do I combine everything together?
Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the buffalo dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the chicken until every piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. Add the diced celery, shredded carrots, red onion, and green onions to the bowl. Fold all the vegetables into the chicken mixture, making sure everything is evenly distributed and well-mixed. The vegetables should be completely incorporated throughout, not sitting in clumps at the bottom.
How should I serve buffalo chicken salad?
This salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it immediately on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce or mixed greens for a low-carb option. You can also pile it onto your favorite bread for a satisfying sandwich, wrap it in a tortilla for an easy lunch, or serve it as a dip with crackers, celery sticks, or sliced vegetables.
For a fun appetizer, scoop the salad into butter lettuce cups. If you’re meal prepping, portion the salad into individual containers and add any desired toppings like blue cheese or extra buffalo sauce right before eating.
What to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad With
This bold, spicy salad pairs beautifully with lighter, refreshing sides that complement rather than compete with the buffalo flavors. Serve it alongside crispy baked sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch, or pair it with cool cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes to balance the heat. Fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes offers a sweet contrast that cleanses your palate between bites.
Top Tips for Perfecting Buffalo Chicken Salad
Can I adjust the spice level in buffalo chicken salad?
Absolutely! Start with just 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce if you’re sensitive to heat, then gradually add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away. For an extra-mild version, use only 1-2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and increase the Greek yogurt slightly. On the flip side, if you love intense heat, use up to 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce or add a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is your best friend for this recipe because it’s already cooked, seasoned, and incredibly moist. Use the breast meat for the leanest option, or mix in some dark meat for extra flavor. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, poaching or slow cooking produces the most tender, easily-shreddable results. Avoid grilled chicken unless it’s very moist, as it can become dry when mixed with the dressing. Never use raw chicken—it must be fully cooked and cooled before mixing into the salad.
How do I prevent my buffalo chicken salad from becoming watery?
Make sure your chicken is completely cooled before mixing it with the dressing—hot chicken will cause condensation and water down your salad. If your shredded chicken seems wet, pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the bowl. Don’t add the vegetables too far in advance, as they release water over time. If your salad does become watery after storage, simply drain off the excess liquid and add a tablespoon or two of fresh mayo to restore the creamy consistency.
What are the best buffalo sauce brands to use?
Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is the classic choice and what most buffalo recipes are based on. For a healthier option, try Primal Kitchen Buffalo Sauce or Noble Made Buffalo Sauce—both are made with cleaner ingredients and no artificial additives. If you can’t find buffalo sauce, you can make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter or olive oil in a 2:1 ratio, though the store-bought versions tend to have a more authentic flavor.
Can I make this ahead without it getting soggy?
Yes! Store the chicken mixture and vegetables separately from any lettuce or bread you plan to serve it with. The chicken salad itself actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours because the flavors meld together beautifully. However, if you’re using it as a sandwich or wrap filling, assemble right before eating to prevent sogginess. For meal prep, portion the salad into containers and keep any crispy components like lettuce or crackers separate until serving time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Buffalo chicken salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, making it perfect for weekly meal prep. Make sure to use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the salad from absorbing other refrigerator odors. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as everything marinates together.
Since this is typically served cold, there’s no need to reheat it—simply take it straight from the fridge and enjoy! If you prefer it at room temperature, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before eating. For the best texture, give the salad a good stir before serving, as some liquid may separate during storage.
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the mayonnaise-based dressing and vegetables don’t freeze well—they’ll become watery and separated when thawed. If you need to extend the shelf life, freeze only the cooked, shredded chicken without the dressing and vegetables. You can keep frozen chicken for up to 3 months, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and prepare fresh salad as needed.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes When Making Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mistake #1: Adding Dressing While Chicken Is Still Warm Always let your cooked chicken cool completely before adding the dressing. Warm chicken will cause the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to separate and become runny, resulting in a watery, unappetizing salad. If you’re in a hurry, spread the shredded chicken on a plate and refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before mixing.
Mistake #2: Cutting Vegetables Too Large Nobody enjoys biting into a huge chunk of onion or a massive piece of celery. Take the extra minute to dice your vegetables into small, uniform pieces about 1/4-inch in size. This ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures, rather than overwhelming bursts of raw onion or celery.
Mistake #3: Using Too Much Buffalo Sauce at Once Buffalo sauce varies significantly in heat level between brands. Start with less than the recipe calls for—you can always add more, but you can’t remove it once it’s mixed in. Add the sauce gradually, tasting as you go, until you reach your perfect spice level.
Mistake #4: Over-Mixing the Salad While you want everything evenly combined, over-mixing can break down the chicken into mushy shreds and turn your vegetables limp. Fold the ingredients together gently with a spatula or large spoon just until everything is coated and distributed. Stop mixing once you no longer see any dry chicken pieces.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Season Properly The buffalo sauce and vegetables are flavorful, but your salad still needs proper seasoning. Don’t skip the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in the dressing—they bring all the flavors together and prevent the salad from tasting flat or one-dimensional.
Mistake #6: Using Low-Quality Mayonnaise Mayonnaise is a major component of this dressing, so quality matters. Cheap, overly-sweet mayonnaise can ruin the tangy buffalo flavor. Use a good-quality mayo with a clean ingredient list, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. The same goes for Greek yogurt—choose full-fat or 2% for the best creamy texture.
Mistake #7: Not Tasting as You Go Every brand of buffalo sauce has a different heat level and flavor profile. Your taste preferences are unique too! Always taste your dressing before adding it to the chicken, and taste the finished salad before serving. Adjust the seasoning, add more buffalo sauce, or thin it out with extra yogurt or mayo until it’s perfect for your palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make buffalo chicken salad without mayo?
Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. Use 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt total and add an extra tablespoon of buffalo sauce to maintain the bold flavor. For a dairy-free option, use avocado-based mayo or cashew cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How spicy is buffalo chicken salad?
The spice level depends entirely on the buffalo sauce you use and how much you add. Most recipes create a medium-heat salad with a pleasant warmth that doesn’t overwhelm. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce and work your way up. The Greek yogurt and mayo help cool down the spice significantly.
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
While fresh or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture and flavor, canned chicken works in a pinch. Drain the canned chicken very well and pat it dry with paper towels before using. Keep in mind that canned chicken tends to be saltier and has a different texture, so you may need to adjust your seasonings accordingly.
Is buffalo chicken salad keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits perfectly into a keto diet. The chicken provides protein, the mayo and yogurt add healthy fats, and the vegetables contribute minimal carbs. Just make sure your buffalo sauce doesn’t contain added sugars—check the label and choose a brand with clean ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to buffalo chicken salad?
Absolutely! While celery, carrots, and onions are traditional, you can customize with bell peppers, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, or corn for extra crunch and nutrition. Avoid watery vegetables like cucumbers and zucchini, as they’ll make your salad soggy. Stick to firmer vegetables that hold up well when mixed with dressing.
How do I make buffalo chicken salad less spicy for kids?
Replace half or all of the buffalo sauce with ranch dressing, or use only 1-2 tablespoons of a mild buffalo sauce. You can also increase the Greek yogurt and mayo to dilute the heat. Another trick is to serve the buffalo sauce on the side so kids can add as much or as little as they prefer.
What’s the difference between buffalo chicken salad and regular chicken salad?
Buffalo chicken salad features hot sauce as a primary flavor component, giving it that signature spicy, tangy taste associated with buffalo wings. Regular chicken salad typically uses herbs, lemon juice, or mustard for flavor and has a milder, more classic taste. The vegetables are often similar, but buffalo chicken salad focuses on the bold, zesty flavor profile.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Leftover turkey works beautifully in this recipe and is especially great for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Shred the turkey just like you would chicken and follow the recipe exactly. Turkey has a slightly different flavor but pairs wonderfully with buffalo sauce and creates a delicious variation.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used
This buffalo chicken salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch, it’s become a staple in kitchens everywhere. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy quick, satisfying lunches all week long. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe and share it with your friends who need some lunch inspiration!
