Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad is a bold and flavorful dish that combines spicy, tangy buffalo chicken with fresh, crisp salad ingredients. Juicy pieces of chicken are coated in buffalo sauce and served atop a bed of chopped greens like romaine or iceberg, along with crunchy celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and creamy crumbles of blue cheese. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing ties everything together, making each bite a perfect balance of heat and coolness.

I first made Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad when I was craving buffalo wings but wanted something lighter and more refreshing. The salad delivered all the spicy, zesty flavors I love, but in a way that felt fresh and satisfying. It’s now a favorite for quick lunches or casual dinners, especially when I want something with a kick.

What I love most about this salad is how customizable it is. You can use grilled or shredded chicken, swap blue cheese for feta, or add extra toppings like avocado or crispy tortilla strips. It’s also easy to make it healthier by using a lighter dressing or adding more veggies. Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy the best of buffalo chicken in a fresh and wholesome dish!

Perfect for:

Lunch or dinner
Game day parties
Meal prep
Spicy food enthusiasts
Quick weeknight meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad will become your go-to meal:

Perfect Balance of Heat and Freshness: The buffalo chicken adds a spicy kick, while the crisp vegetables cool things down.
Simple Yet Flavorful: With just a few ingredients, this salad is packed with bold flavors.
High in Protein: The chicken is a great source of lean protein, keeping you satisfied for longer.
Customizable to Taste: You can adjust the level of heat in the buffalo sauce and add or remove ingredients as desired.
Easy to Make: This salad comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days, making lunch or dinner hassle-free.
Rich and Creamy Dressing: The ranch dressing perfectly complements the spicy buffalo sauce, creating a creamy and tangy contrast.
Crunchy Texture: The chopped veggies add a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the croutons for a lighter, low-carb version of this dish.
Great for Leftovers: Leftover buffalo chicken can be added to the salad the next day for an even more flavorful meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup buffalo sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

The Salad:

4 cups mixed lettuce (e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup celery, diced
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
¼ cup croutons (optional)

For the Dressing:

½ cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce

Ingredient Highlights

Buffalo Sauce: Provides the signature spicy flavor that makes this salad stand out.
Mixed Lettuce: A variety of greens adds texture and freshness to the salad.
Blue Cheese: Offers a rich, tangy element that pairs wonderfully with the buffalo chicken.
Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess to balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Buffalo Chicken:

Prep Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into thin strips and toss with buffalo sauce.

Prepare the Salad:

Chop Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, chop the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, celery, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables. Add blue cheese and croutons, if using.

Make the Dressing:

Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together ranch dressing and buffalo sauce until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

Top Salad with Chicken: Add the buffalo chicken on top of the prepared salad.
Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the buffalo ranch dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Serve:

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 2 days for meal prep.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad:

With Extra Blue Cheese: Top with additional blue cheese crumbles for an extra creamy texture.
With Ranch Dressing: Serve with a side of extra ranch dressing for dipping.
As a Wrap: Wrap the salad in a tortilla for a buffalo chicken salad wrap.
With a Side of Fries: Pair with crispy fries for a hearty meal.
For a Low-Carb Option: Skip the croutons and serve with avocado slices for added creaminess.
With Cornbread: Serve with a side of cornbread for a comforting meal.
On a Bun: Serve the buffalo chicken mixture on a sandwich bun for a twist on a classic buffalo chicken sandwich.
For Game Day: Serve as a hearty appetizer or main dish at your next game day gathering.
With Sweet Potato Fries: Pair with sweet potato fries for a delicious and satisfying combo.
For a Light Meal: Serve as a light dinner or lunch, especially when paired with a side of fruit.

Additional Tips

Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice tolerance.
Crispier Chicken: For an extra crispy texture, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before frying.
Make it Ahead: Prepare the chicken and dressing in advance, and assemble the salad just before serving.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh vegetables for a crisp, refreshing salad.
Dressing on the Side: Serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as much or as little as they like.

Recipe Variations

Grilled Buffalo Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
Crispy Chicken Strips: Use breaded and fried chicken strips for a crunchy twist.
Spicy Ranch Dressing: Add extra buffalo sauce or hot sauce to the ranch dressing for an extra spicy kick.
Vegan Option: Substitute grilled tofu or tempeh for the buffalo chicken.
Avocado Addition: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Mexican-Inspired: Swap buffalo sauce for a spicy taco sauce and add black beans, corn, and cilantro.
BBQ Chicken Version: Replace buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey over the chicken for a sweet-spicy combo.
Greek-Inspired: Use tzatziki sauce instead of ranch dressing for a Mediterranean twist.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the croutons and serve with a keto-friendly dressing like Caesar.

Special Equipment

Skillet or Grill Pan: For cooking the buffalo chicken.
Chopping Knife: For cutting the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.
Large Salad Bowl: To mix all the salad ingredients together.
Small Mixing Bowl: For combining the dressing ingredients.
Tongs: To toss the salad and ensure even coating of the dressing.

FAQ Section

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
How long can I store this salad?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until serving.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, swap the buffalo chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan ranch dressing.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can use Greek yogurt, blue cheese dressing, or a homemade vinaigrette.
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the buffalo chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
How do I make this salad spicier?
Add more buffalo sauce or include sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Can I freeze the buffalo chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked buffalo chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding to the salad.
Can I skip the croutons?
Yes, the croutons are optional and can be omitted for a low-carb version.
Can I add fruits to the salad?
Yes, diced apples or pears pair well with the buffalo chicken and add a sweet contrast to the heat.
How do I make the salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free croutons or skip them entirely for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad is a bold and flavorful twist on a classic chopped salad, perfect for lunch or dinner. Juicy, spicy Buffalo chicken is paired with crisp lettuce, crunchy veggies, creamy blue cheese, and tangy ranch or blue cheese dressing for a satisfying meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.

The magic of this salad is in the combination of textures and flavors. The heat from the Buffalo chicken is perfectly balanced by the cool, creamy dressing and the crunch of fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and cucumbers. You can add extras like avocado, crumbled beef bacon, or cherry tomatoes to make it even more hearty and flavorful.

I’d love to see your Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your spicy, colorful salads. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun variations or ingredients that made your salad uniquely yours!