Feeling the Heat with a Twist on Salad!
Ever craved a salad that’s not just rabbit food? High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad brings the perfect blend of spicy and satisfying right to your bowl! It’s packed with tender, tangy chicken goodness that dances on your taste buds and makes salad exciting again. Whip this up in no time, and enjoy a dish that’s both delicious and a feast for the eyes!
Why Make This Recipe
Why does this salad reign supreme? First off, it’s a one-bowl wonder, which means easy cleanup! Who has time for a mountain of dishes? Second, it’s a quick route to protein heaven — perfect for post-workout fuel or a family-friendly dinner that’ll leave everyone satisfied. Plus, there’s that spicy kick we all know and love — who doesn’t love to turn the heat up a notch? 😉
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (finely shredded)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (Frank’s or your favorite brand)
- ⅔ cup diced celery
- ⅔ cup shredded carrot
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- ⅓ cup chives (thinly sliced)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Directions
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to whip up this scrumptious salad in just a few simple steps:
Prep the Chicken: Remove skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken. Roughly chop about 4 cups of the meat, then pulse in a food processor 3 to 4 times until finely shredded but not mushy. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing: In the same bowl, add ½ cup Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, and ½ cup buffalo sauce. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and optional ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy!
Combine: Add the shredded chicken, ⅔ cup diced celery, ⅔ cup shredded carrot, ⅓ cup finely diced red onion, and ⅓ cup chives. If using, fold in ⅓ cup blue cheese or keep it on the side as a topping later. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Serve: Enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors develop. Garnish with extra chives and crumbled blue cheese right before serving!
How to Make High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Overview)
Let’s break it down! Start by shredding that rotisserie chicken — this step cranks up the texture level just right. Next, you’ll create a creamy dressing that’s to die for, swinging in that buffalo flavor like it owns the place. Combine everything and check your taste buds — they’ll be thanking you! Pro tip: let it sit a bit in the fridge. Trust me, flavors meld together like best friends at a reunion.
How to Serve High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad
This isn’t just any salad! Imagine plating this vibrant mix with bright orange carrots and crunchy green celery mingling with the creamy dressing. Serve it in a bowl for a hearty meal, or scoop it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb treat. Don’t forget a sprinkle of blue cheese for extra flair — your guests will be drooling (and begging for more)!
How to Store High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad
Got extras? No problem! This salad hangs out happily in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it covered! If you need to make it ahead, it’s perfect for meal prep. Not into cold salads? Reheat chicken only if you prefer it warm — but note, the dressing is best enjoyed chilled!
Tips to Make High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Don’t skip the rotisserie chicken! It saves time and gives that delicious, smoky flavor.
- Adjust the heat! If you’re not a spice fiend, dial back the cayenne. 😉
- Use any leftover veggies! Got a random carrot in the fridge? Toss it in; no one’s judging!
- Mix up the toppings. Try avocado slices or a handful of sunflower seeds for added crunch!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Switch it up! Try swapping in chicken breast with a spicy seasoning instead of rotisserie chicken for a lighter twist. If you’re craving a plant-based alternative, sub in chickpeas or lentils — just as delicious and loaded with protein!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance to let the flavors deepen.
Can I freeze this salad?
While the chicken part freezes well, the dressing might change in texture. Stick to the fridge for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can swap it for sour cream or a dairy-free option like coconut yogurt if you prefer!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (finely shredded) Remove skin and bones before shredding.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt Can substitute with sour cream or dairy-free yogurt.
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce Use Frank's or your favorite brand.
- ⅔ cup diced celery
- ⅔ cup shredded carrot
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- ⅓ cup chives (thinly sliced)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- to taste tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper Optional for additional heat.
- ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese Optional, for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Remove skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken, roughly chop about 4 cups of the meat, then pulse in a food processor 3 to 4 times until finely shredded but not mushy. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In the same bowl, add ½ cup Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, and ½ cup buffalo sauce. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and optional ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded chicken, ⅔ cup diced celery, ⅔ cup shredded carrot, ⅓ cup finely diced red onion, and ⅓ cup chives. If using, fold in ⅓ cup blue cheese or keep it on the side as a topping later. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Serving
- Enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors develop. Garnish with extra chives and crumbled blue cheese right before serving.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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