There’s something about the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo chicken that feels like a celebration in every bite. Pair that with the crisp crunch of fresh veggies and the creamy coolness of ranch dressing, and you’ve got yourself a salad that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is sure to become a go-to favorite.
I first made this salad on a whim, trying to recreate the flavors of a favorite buffalo wing platter but in a lighter, healthier format. Little did I know it would become a family staple, loved for its bold flavors and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this salad! It’s the perfect combination of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a quick prep time that fits into even the busiest schedules.
This salad is quick and easy to whip up. Whether you're short on time after a long day or just looking for something that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe has you covered.
It's also a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo chicken wings. Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it delivers all the flavor without the guilt.
Customizable and versatile, this recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand. Prefer blue cheese over ranch? Go for it. Need a dairy-free option? No problem – it’s easy to modify.
And let’s not forget, it’s meal-prep friendly. Make a batch of buffalo chicken, chop your veggies, and you’ve got a week’s worth of delicious lunches or dinners ready to go.
Ingredients Notes

This salad shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients, each chosen to highlight those classic buffalo flavors while keeping the dish balanced and satisfying.
Cooked chicken is the star of the show here. I like using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but grilled or pan-seared chicken breast works just as well.
Buffalo sauce brings the heat and tang. Use your favorite brand, or make a homemade version if you prefer. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Ranch dressing ties everything together with its cool, creamy flavor. Opt for a store-bought version or whip up a homemade batch for an extra-special touch.
Crisp lettuce forms the base of the salad. Romaine, iceberg, or a spring mix all work beautifully. The fresh crunch balances the richness of the chicken and dressing.
Veggie toppings like diced celery, carrots, and cherry tomatoes add color, crunch, and even more flavor. You can also toss in some sliced avocado for a creamy addition.
If you’re serving this as a main dish, consider adding a side of crusty bread or even a sprinkle of croutons for a bit of carb-based comfort.
How to Make This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

Making this salad couldn’t be simpler. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Start by preparing your chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, season it lightly with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fully cooked. Toss the chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
While the chicken cools slightly, prep your veggies. Wash and chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces, dice celery and carrots, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Arrange them on a large platter or in individual bowls.
Top the salad with the buffalo chicken, arranging it in the center for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle with ranch dressing and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of extra buffalo sauce for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour if you need to prep it ahead. If you're meal-prepping, keep the chicken and dressing separate until just before serving.
Storage Options
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored if needed.
To keep it crisp, store the components separately. The lettuce and veggies can be kept in an airtight container for up to three days. The buffalo chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days when stored in its own container.
If you've already assembled the salad, cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the lettuce may lose some of its crispness if stored this way.
For reheating the chicken, use the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in a skillet over low heat. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to your tastes and dietary preferences.
- Make it dairy-free by swapping the ranch dressing for a dairy-free version or a tangy vinaigrette.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions for even more crunch and color.
- Switch up the greens with spinach, kale, or arugula for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice it up by adding jalapeño slices or a dash of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.
- Go low-carb by skipping the dressing and using crumbled blue cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon instead.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a meal-prepped lunch, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is guaranteed to impress!
PrintEasy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
This easy Buffalo chicken salad recipe combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, tangy Buffalo sauce, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this salad is packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ¼ cup Buffalo sauce
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce until well-coated.
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large plate or salad bowl.
- Add chopped celery, carrots, and blue cheese crumbles (if using).
- Top with the Buffalo chicken.
- Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt-based ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Swap blue cheese crumbles for feta or omit if preferred.
- Adjust Buffalo sauce for your desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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