Creamy & Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad: The Ultimate Easy Recipe (6 Ingredients, 15 Mins!)
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredibly creamy, zesty, and effortlessly easy Buffalo Chicken Salad. Crafted with just 6 simple ingredients and requiring only 15 minutes of your precious time, this recipe is a game-changer for quick lunches, satisfying dinners, or impressive party spreads. It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken salad, bringing that irresistible spicy kick of buffalo wings into a versatile and delicious dish that everyone will adore.
Why This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s a culinary experience that combines the comforting familiarity of a potluck favorite with the exciting, tangy heat of buffalo sauce. Much like a classic creamy chicken salad, our Buffalo Chicken Salad recipe starts with a rich, mayonnaise-based foundation. However, what sets it apart is the generous infusion of zesty hot sauce, delivering a vibrant flavor punch that will awaken your palate.
This particular style of chicken salad is exceptionally versatile and designed to be the star of any meal. It’s perfect for piling high on soft burger buns for a satisfying sandwich, nestling into crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter option, or even stuffing into pita bread. Unlike traditional green salads, this recipe doesn’t rely on chopped lettuce as its primary component, allowing the hearty chicken and flavorful dressing to truly shine. While it may not fit the conventional definition of a “healthy salad” in terms of calories, it’s remarkably low carb, incredibly filling, and deeply satisfying. The addition of fresh, crisp celery, vibrant julienned carrots, and finely diced red onion not only introduces delightful textures but also layers of fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the dressing and the spice of the hot sauce. Plus, the entire dish comes together in a matter of minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Simple Ingredients for the Best Buffalo Chicken Salad
One of the best features of this Buffalo Chicken Salad is its short and sweet ingredient list. With just 6 core components, you’re well on your way to a mouth-watering meal. You can find all specific measurements, detailed ingredients, and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips & Creative Substitutions
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and how you can tailor them to your preference or what you have on hand.
- CHICKEN: The foundation of this salad is chopped cooked chicken. For ultimate convenience, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred or chop it to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can easily prepare chicken breasts yourself by baking, boiling, or pan-frying them until fully cooked, then chopping or shredding. This recipe is also an excellent way to use up any leftover cooked chicken you might have, ensuring no delicious protein goes to waste! For the best texture, aim for bite-sized pieces that mix well with the dressing.
- VEGGIES: Fresh, crisp vegetables are crucial for adding both flavor and a satisfying crunch. We use finely chopped celery, julienned carrots, and diced red onion.
- Celery provides that essential crisp texture and subtle peppery note that’s classic in chicken salads.
- Carrots offer a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Julienned carrots integrate seamlessly and add a fine crunch.
- Red onion lends a mild sharpness and beautiful purple hue. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor, or opt for green onions for a milder taste.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables too! Diced bell peppers (red or green) add extra color and a different type of crunch, while a hint of fresh parsley or dill can brighten the overall profile.
- SAUCE: The signature creamy buffalo sauce is a simple yet powerful combination of hot sauce and mayonnaise.
- Hot Sauce: Our top recommendation is Frank’s Red Hot, known for its balanced heat and tangy vinegar base, which is characteristic of classic buffalo flavor. However, don’t hesitate to use your favorite variety of hot sauce. Adjust the amount to control the spice level – add more for an extra kick or less for a milder version.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the rich, creamy base that binds all the ingredients together and tames the heat of the hot sauce. For a slightly lighter or tangier version, you can substitute a portion of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Just be aware that Greek yogurt will add a more pronounced tang.
How to Masterfully Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Begin by combining your prepped ingredients. Place the chopped cooked chicken, diced celery, julienned carrots, and diced red onion into a spacious large mixing bowl. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed to allow for proper coating later.
All the solid ingredients prepped and ready for the flavorful buffalo dressing. - Next, prepare the star of the show – the creamy buffalo dressing. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and mayonnaise until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy mixture that will coat your chicken and vegetables perfectly.
The two essential ingredients for our creamy and zesty buffalo sauce, whisked to perfection. - Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully pour the freshly prepared buffalo dressing over the chicken and vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir everything together thoroughly. Continue mixing until every piece of chicken and every vegetable is beautifully coated in the creamy, vibrant sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with the delicious buffalo flavor.
Pouring the rich buffalo dressing over the prepared chicken and vegetables. 
The finished buffalo chicken salad, perfectly coated and ready to enjoy.
For best results and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time truly enhances the taste!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Salad
Storing your leftover buffalo chicken salad is simple and straightforward. Transfer any remaining salad into an air-tight container and keep it refrigerated. When stored properly, it will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week!
Absolutely, making this buffalo chicken salad ahead of time is highly recommended! The flavors actually deepen and meld beautifully as it sits in the refrigerator, making it even more delicious on the second or third day. It’s perfectly suited for meal prepping, staying fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to bring it to a party, potluck, or picnic, feel free to prepare it the day before. Just ensure it’s covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
While this recipe focuses on flavor and satisfaction rather than being a low-calorie leafy green salad, it is naturally low carb, making it suitable for certain dietary preferences. You can make it “healthier” by opting for light mayonnaise or substituting half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and increase protein. The addition of fresh vegetables also boosts its nutritional value. Always consider portion sizes and how you serve it.
For the best texture in your Buffalo Chicken Salad, we recommend chopping the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized cubes. This ensures that each spoonful or bite of your sandwich has a consistent ratio of chicken to dressing and vegetables. If you prefer, you can also shred the chicken, especially if using rotisserie chicken, for a more pulled-meat texture.
Yes, absolutely! The beauty of homemade recipes is customization. If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce by a tablespoon or two. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount (e.g., ¼ cup) and gradually add more until you reach your desired spice level. You can also balance the heat with a touch of blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing mixed directly into the salad.
You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients, a smaller bowl for whisking the dressing, and a sturdy spoon or spatula for mixing. A good knife and cutting board are essential for prepping your chicken and vegetables. That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
While this salad is delicious immediately after mixing, its flavors truly deepen and meld when given some time to chill in the refrigerator. We recommend at least 30 minutes, but a few hours or even overnight will yield the most robust and harmonious taste experience. This allows the chicken and vegetables to fully absorb the zesty buffalo dressing. Serve chilled or slightly above room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Buffalo Chicken Salad
The versatility of this Buffalo Chicken Salad means you have endless options for how to enjoy it. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:
- Classic Sandwich: Pile it generously onto a soft burger bun (or for a low-carb option, try cloud bread). For an authentic buffalo experience, garnish with creamy bleu cheese crumbles and crisp lettuce. Sometimes, I like to take it up a notch by drizzling with a rich bleu cheese dressing or cool ranch dressing instead of just the crumbles.
- Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, crunchier, and low-carb meal, spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg). This is a refreshing way to enjoy all the flavors without the added carbs of bread.
- Versatile Wraps & Pitas: Stuff it into a tortilla wrap or a warm pita bread for a portable and satisfying meal. Add extra greens or shredded cabbage for more crunch.
- Dipping Delight: Serve it as a dip with your favorite dippers! It’s fantastic with sturdy crackers, crispy tortilla chips, or even vegetable sticks like celery and carrot sticks for a lighter snack.
- Salad Topper: Transform a simple bed of chopped lettuce into a hearty meal by topping it with a generous scoop of Buffalo Chicken Salad. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or even avocado slices for a more complete salad bowl.
- Straight from the Spoon: Honestly, we wouldn’t judge if you decided to enjoy it straight by the spoonful! It’s that good.
Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing bite, or allow it to come slightly above room temperature for an enhanced flavor experience. No matter how you serve it, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is sure to be a hit!
More Delicious & Easy Recipes to Explore
If you loved this Buffalo Chicken Salad, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen. They are perfect for expanding your repertoire of quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals:
- Cajun Chicken Salad: For those who crave a different kind of spice and robust flavor profile.
- Big Mac Salad: All the iconic flavors of your favorite burger, in a convenient salad form!
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: If you’re a true buffalo flavor enthusiast, this creamy and cheesy dip is a must-try.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and cool side dish that pairs wonderfully with spicy flavors.
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders: For when you want that classic buffalo experience in a crispy, finger-food format.
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, creating new and exciting recipes, and sharing my culinary adventures with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for fresh inspiration can sometimes be a challenge, which is why I’ve made it easy for you. I offer a convenient newsletter that delivers a brand new recipe directly to your inbox every time one posts. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes to keep your meal plans fresh and exciting!
Buffalo Chicken Salad
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Things You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
Before You Begin
- For that authentic tangy kick, our hot sauce of choice is Frank’s Red Hot. However, please feel free to use your absolute favorite variety to customize the flavor and spice level to your liking.
- This recipe requires already cooked chicken. For ultimate convenience, you can easily use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Alternatively, you can prepare chicken breasts yourself by baking them in the oven, boiling, or cooking them on the stovetop. This salad is also a brilliant way to utilize any leftover cooked chicken you might have on hand!
- For optimal flavor melding, we highly recommend chilling the buffalo chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to absorb the dressing and the flavors to deepen.
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and chopped chicken, finely chopped celery, julienned carrots, and diced red onion. Ensure they are well distributed.
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In a separate small bowl, vigorously whisk together the hot sauce and mayonnaise until you achieve a smooth, creamy, and uniform dressing.
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Pour the prepared creamy buffalo dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly and gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the vibrant sauce.
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For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Buffalo Chicken Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Optionally, enhance your Buffalo Chicken Salad with delightful garnishes like crumbled bleu cheese and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. This versatile salad can be served in numerous ways: nestle it between a soft burger bun for a satisfying sandwich, wrap it in a crisp lettuce leaf for a lighter option, snuggle it into a tortilla wrap, toss it into a bowl of chopped lettuce for a more traditional salad, or simply enjoy it with chips and crackers for dipping.
- To maintain its freshness and flavor, store any leftover buffalo chicken salad in an air-tight container, kept in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 4 days, making it perfect for planned leftovers or meal prep.
- This Buffalo Chicken Salad is an excellent choice for meal prepping as it holds up wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re preparing it for a party or a gathering, you can easily make it the day before serving. Just ensure it’s well-covered and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld.
- For an extra layer of flavor and to help balance the spice, consider adding a tablespoon or two of ranch or blue cheese dressing directly into the mixture when you combine the ingredients.
- Don’t be afraid to customize the spice! If you like more heat, add a little extra hot sauce. If you prefer it milder, start with less and taste as you go.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.