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Buffalo Chicken Salad is one of those go to meals when you crave something satisfying but still want plenty of crunch and tang. With make ahead slow cooker buffalo chicken and a handful of crisp veggies this hearty salad is perfect for meal prep or fast weeknight dinners. I started making this after my family begged for lighter buffalo flavors once summer hit and now it is a regular in our lunch rotation.
I remember mixing this salad up after a big picnic and being surprised how the leftovers tasted just as good for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
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- Romaine lettuce: Three cups chopped for a refreshing crunchy base Choose heads with firm ribs and vibrant green color
- Leftover buffalo chicken: Half a cup for spicy protein Rich flavor comes from slow cooked chicken with buffalo sauce
- Blue cheese: Two tablespoons for tangy creaminess Try to use freshly crumbled blue cheese for best flavor
- Sliced cucumber: Half a cup for cooling crunch Pick cucumbers with shiny skins and no soft spots
- Chopped carrots: Quarter cup for sweetness and extra texture Use whole carrots peeled fresh for best crunch
- Frozen corn: quarter cup thawed for bursts of color and a touch of sweetness Look for non mushy kernels
- Diced celery: quarter cup for peppery crunch Be sure celery is crisp and bright
- Ranch dressing: two tablespoons to pull flavors together Good quality refrigerated ranch tastes best or use homemade
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Veggies:
- Wash and chop all vegetables meticulously Dry with a kitchen towel so salad stays crisp
- Layer the Base:
- Place chopped romaine lettuce into a large serving bowl Spread it out evenly to create a solid foundation
- Add Chicken:
- Spoon the leftover buffalo chicken over the lettuce making sure to break up any large pieces for easier eating
- Top with Crunch:
- Arrange carrots cucumber corn and celery over the chicken Distribute them so every bite has a mix of flavors
- Cheese Please:
- Sprinkle blue cheese across the top Use fingers to crumble if needed so there is even tang in every bite
- Dress it Up:
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad right before serving If packing for later keep dressing on the side to prevent sogginess
- Toss and Serve:
- If desired toss salad gently with tongs or large forks so everything gets coated in dressing and buffalo flavor
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Blue cheese is my favorite touch here Every time I crumble it over the salad it reminds me of weekend lunches at my grandmother’s old kitchen table My little one sometimes sneaks the blue cheese straight from the prep plate
Storage Tips
Keep each element in its own container in the fridge to keep vegetables crisp and chicken moist Only combine right before eating For meal prepping I like to chop lettuce and veggies and keep in produce containers for up to three days Store dressing separately to avoid wilting
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Ingredient Substitutions
Swap blue cheese for shredded cheddar or feta if you like One friend prefers Greek yogurt dressing for a lighter touch If you do not have leftover buffalo chicken you can use rotisserie chicken tossed with store bought buffalo sauce
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Serving Suggestions
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Serve this salad on its own for a filling lunch or pile it into a wrap for a buffalo chicken wrap variation Sometimes I serve with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for extra texture
Cultural Note
Buffalo chicken is an American favorite known for its spicy kick and tangy sauce Turning it into a salad makes this crowd pleasing flavor easy to enjoy for lunch meal prep or BBQs This recipe feels like summer to me ever since I brought it to a July cookout
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Prepare Buffalo chicken in a slow cooker or roast it with your favorite hot sauce; store in the fridge until ready to use.
- → Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! Swap ranch for blue cheese or any creamy dressing you prefer for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I prep this salad for the week?
Keep the lettuce, veggies, chicken, and dressing separate in containers; assemble when it's time to eat for crispness.
- → What other toppings work well?
Try adding avocado, sliced radishes, or extra hot sauce for more texture and heat.
- → Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?
This salad is low in carbs if you limit the corn and choose a sugar-free dressing.