Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe – A Spicy, High-Protein Classic You’ll Crave

Buffalo chicken salad is more than just a flavorful twist on a classic—it’s your new go-to meal when you want something fast, healthy, and seriously delicious. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a satisfying lunch in a flash, this buffalo chicken salad recipe brings the heat, the protein, and the ease you’re craving.

I still remember the first time I whipped up this salad after a long day. I wanted something filling but didn’t want to cook. That one bowl of creamy, spicy buffalo chicken salad had me hooked for life. It was comforting, simple, and downright addictive. If you’ve ever come home exhausted and needed something quick yet fulfilling, this salad will speak your language.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

A Quick and Healthy Meal Option

If you have 10 minutes, you have enough time to make this.

• Requires no cooking if you use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken
• High in protein (20g per serving)
• Low in carbohydrates and sugars
• Naturally gluten-free

Great for Meal Prep and Versatility

This recipe isn’t just easy, it’s endlessly versatile.

• Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days
• Serve it in lettuce cups, wraps, sandwiches, or bowls
• Excellent for lunches, snacks, or high-protein dinners

Balanced Nutrition with Big Flavor

Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring.

• Greek yogurt keeps it creamy without added fat
• Veggies add crunch and fiber
• Buffalo sauce adds zing without packing on calories

Ingredients for Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Creating your salad starts with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s everything you need in one glance.

Buffalo Chicken Salad Ingredient Table

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad Step by Step

Step 1 – Shred the Chicken

You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. If it’s not already shredded:

• Use two forks to pull the chicken apart
• Or use a hand mixer in a large bowl for fast shredding
• Aim for bite-sized pieces so the salad mixes well

Step 2 – Chop the Vegetables

You want crunch, but you don’t want huge chunks:

• Dice celery finely so it blends evenly into the salad
• Thinly slice green onions for that subtle onion flavor and color

Step 3 – Mix the Creamy Base

In a separate large bowl, combine:

• Greek yogurt
• Buffalo sauce
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Stir until smooth. This spicy and tangy dressing is what gives the salad its signature flavor.

Step 4 – Combine All Ingredients

Add the chicken, celery, and green onions into the bowl with your sauce.

• Stir thoroughly until every piece of chicken is well-coated
• Taste and adjust buffalo sauce if you want more heat
• Prefer a creamier texture? Add a bit more Greek yogurt

Step 5 – Serve or Chill

You can enjoy your salad immediately or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

How to Serve Salad with Buffalo Chicken

You’re not limited to just eating it with a fork. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

Serving Suggestions

• In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
• On toasted sourdough or whole grain bread
• Stuffed inside a tortilla as a spicy wrap
• Over a big bed of greens for a buffalo chicken salad bowl
• As a dip with sliced cucumbers or whole-grain crackers

Pairing Ideas

• Roasted sweet potato wedges
• Cold pasta salad
• Fresh fruit cups
• Cucumber or celery sticks
• Quinoa or rice bowls

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Buffalo chicken salad is perfect for batch prepping. Here’s how to store it properly:

How to Store Buffalo Chicken Salad

• Use an airtight container
• Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
• Not freezer-friendly due to yogurt base

Meal Prep Tips

• Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches
• Add extra buffalo sauce to each container if you want to customize the heat level
• Keep lettuce or bread separate until you’re ready to eat

Nutrition Benefits of Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad

This salad isn’t just tasty—it fuels your body.

High in Lean Protein

Each 1/2 cup serving offers:

• 20 grams of protein
• Just 150 calories
• Great for muscle maintenance and appetite control

Rich in Nutrients

• Chicken provides iron, zinc, and vitamin B6
• Greek yogurt is a source of calcium, probiotics, and extra protein
• Celery and onions bring in fiber and antioxidants

Gluten-Free & No Added Sugar

You won’t find hidden sugars or unnecessary additives here. This salad fits clean eating goals, low-carb diets, and gluten-free lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Salad

What’s the best chicken to use for buffalo chicken salad?

Rotisserie chicken is the easiest and fastest choice, but leftover grilled, poached, or baked chicken breasts work great too.

Can I make buffalo chicken salad dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap out the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or another non-dairy alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.

Is this buffalo chicken salad recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick, depending on how much buffalo sauce you use. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh shredded chicken gives a better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain it thoroughly and shred it well.

What other ingredients can I add?

Feel free to get creative:

• Crumbled blue cheese or feta
• Diced pickles or jalapenos
• Shredded carrots
• Chopped red bell peppers

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken salad is everything you want in a meal: fast, flavorful, healthy, and versatile. You can serve it up a dozen different ways and still feel like you’re eating something new every time. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for work, or just need something you can throw together in under 15 minutes, this healthy buffalo chicken salad recipe delivers.

So, go ahead and give it a try. Then leave a comment and tell me how you served it—and if you spiced it up or kept it mellow. Share this recipe with a friend who needs an easy meal idea, and let’s keep healthy eating delicious!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe – A Spicy, High-Protein Classic You’ll Crave

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• Author: Chef Rina
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

This easy buffalo chicken salad is the perfect high-protein lunch or snack. Made with shredded chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, zesty buffalo sauce, and crisp vegetables, it comes together in just 10 minutes. Great for meal prep and completely wine-free!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breasts)

• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about ½ cup)

• 4 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce

• Juice of ½ large lemon

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

 

• Shred the cooked chicken using two forks or a hand mixer.

• Finely chop the celery and green onions.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery and green onions, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Stir everything together until well mixed.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra spice, add more buffalo sauce and reduce the Greek yogurt slightly.

• Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.

Notes

 

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

• Shred chicken quickly with a hand mixer or food processor.

• This recipe is gluten-free and contains no added sugars.

• Ideal for meal prep lunches throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150 per serving