Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) Recipe

If you’re craving something bold, tangy, and utterly satisfying—without sacrificing healthy eating—this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is here to wow you. Packed with juicy shredded chicken, zesty Buffalo sauce, and crunchy fresh veggies, it delivers all the fire of classic wings in a refreshingly light, protein-powered salad. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or need a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this salad knocks it out of the park!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one truly counts. From the Buffalo sauce kick to the cool Greek yogurt and crunchy veggies, every element plays a role in making this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) both irresistible and nourishing.

• Shredded chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even leftover grilled chicken—shred it well for maximum texture and flavor absorption.
• Celery: Finely chopped celery adds that classic Buffalo crunch and a burst of freshness with every bite.
• Green onion: These bring a gentle sharpness and color, perfectly balancing the heat and form a beautiful flavor bridge between chicken and spice.
• Greek yogurt: Nonfat Greek yogurt gives you luscious creaminess and protein without extra calories or mayo—plus a subtle tang that pairs with Buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo sauce: The soul of this salad! Use your favorite Buffalo hot sauce brand and adjust the amount for the heat level you love.
• Lemon juice: Just a squeeze brightens all the flavors and helps balance the salad, making it taste fresh and vibrant.
• Garlic powder: This simple spice gives the salad a savory boost—a must in Buffalo-style recipes!
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth, mild depth, and a pop of color to the final dish.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—taste as you go to hit your preferred seasoning level.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best, bringing just the right amount of bite to balance creamy and spicy notes.

How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy)

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Veggies

Start by shredding your cooked chicken. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover breasts, two forks get the job done—or try a hand mixer for super easy shredding. Finely chop the celery and green onions; the smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll blend into your salad for perfect crunch and flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, Buffalo sauce, celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is coated and the flavors are thoroughly distributed. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust—add more Buffalo sauce for heat, or a bit more yogurt and lemon juice for coolness and zing. The salad should look creamy and colorful, with tasty bits in every bite.

Step 3: Customize Your Heat Level

Buffalo fans, listen up! If you’re someone who loves things spicy, feel free to add extra Buffalo sauce. Prefer a milder salad? Just keep the sauce as is, or boost the Greek yogurt. This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is all about tailoring the boldness to your exact preference—so don’t be shy about making it truly yours.

How to Serve Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy)

Garnishes

To make it extra inviting, sprinkle some chopped green onion or crumbled blue cheese over the top before serving. A few dots of Buffalo sauce add a pretty, fiery finish, and a scatter of fresh dill or parsley brings a pop of color and herby punch.

Side Dishes

This salad loves crisp accompaniments! Serve it alongside crunchy lettuce leaves (for wraps), whole-grain crackers, or a pile of carrot and celery sticks. It also pairs beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa bowls, or piled high on top of a fresh green salad for extra veggies and fiber.

Creative Ways to Present

There are endless ways to serve Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy). Stuff it into pita pockets, scoop onto cucumber rounds for appetizer bites, or wrap in a favorite tortilla for a protein-packed lunch on-the-go. For party platters, spoon it into lettuce cups for a gluten-free option that looks as fun as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors get even better with a little time, so it’s perfect for meal prep! The salad stays fresh for up to 3–4 days, making weekday lunches fast and delicious.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze chicken salad, the Greek yogurt can separate after thawing, which may affect the creamy texture. For best flavor and consistency, enjoy Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) fresh or refrigerated, not frozen.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do prefer it slightly warm, gently microwave individual portions for a few seconds, but keep in mind the texture will change a bit as the yogurt heats.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken thighs make the salad extra juicy and flavorful, and rotisserie chicken is ultra-convenient. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred the meat well for best results in your Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy).

Is there a dairy-free option for Greek yogurt?

You can easily substitute a thick, plain non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) for a similar creamy result. Just pick one with minimal tang, unless you love a slightly tart, tangy salad.

What can I use instead of Buffalo sauce?

If you’re not a Buffalo sauce fan, try your favorite hot sauce or even a smoky chipotle. Just be mindful of the heat level and any flavor differences—you might want to tweak the other seasonings to taste.

Can I make this salad ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! In fact, Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is a meal prep superstar. It keeps fresh and flavorful for several days, so you can portion it out for quick lunches or snacks during the week.

How can I add more vegetables?

If you want more color or nutrients, stir in diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, or chopped spinach. These additions add crunch, sweetness, and a nutritional boost without overpowering the Buffalo flavor.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly hard not to fall in love with every bite of this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy). It’s bold yet balanced, guilt-free but absolutely crave-worthy, and so adaptable for any occasion. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

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