Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing combines the spice of buffalo chicken with cool greens and creamy blue cheese for a deliciously balanced meal. Traditionally, most variations contain grilled or baked chicken that’s been doused in buffalo sauce, served alongside lettuce, carrots and celery. Blue cheese dressing offers a creamy and zesty punch. A lot of us like having this salad for lunch or dinner, and it suits both casual meals and get-togethers.
About the Dish
Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing unites bold, tangy and creamy in one delicious bowl. The spicy kick of buffalo sauce on chicken collides with the creamy coolness of blue cheese dressing, creating the perfect balance of heat and creaminess in every bite. This combo puts the salad over the top, particularly for those who prefer their flavors bold and complex, but not overbearing.
Bold and Tangy Flavors
Buffalo sauce, of course, is its trademark spicy kick and tang, typically crafted from cayenne pepper sauce and butter. Tossed with chicken, it gives the meat a bright, fiery taste that’s balanced by the savory notes of the sauce. Blue cheese dressing, meanwhile, is creamy and a bit tangy, using actual blue cheese crumbles that ooze into the base. Tossed in a salad together, these flavors really play off each other well. The heat from the buffalo chicken is tempered by the blue cheese so the dish doesn’t come across too hot or too strong. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, extra buffalo or a few more blue cheese crumbles can be sprinkled on top.
Versatility in Serving
This salad isn’t just for lunch. It’s great as a main course, hearty enough for lunch or dinner with a side of bread or roasted potatoes. At parties, you can serve it as a rich, flavorful appetizer in mini bowls or lettuce cups. Others swear by it as a wrap filling or even on baked potatoes for a twist. Its versatility makes it appropriate for just about every occasion, from speedy weekday dinners to game day spreads.
Buffalo chicken salad goes with a variety of flavors. Protein fiends or low-carb eaters offer it up as a complete meal. You can serve it alongside other salads or bulk it up into a meal with additional greens, carrots or celery for extra crunch.
Appeal to Spicy and Savory Lovers
A favorite for anyone who likes it hot and salty. The buffalo sauce adds heat but not raging infernos, so it’s accessible for most to consume. The blue cheese lends depth and a cooling finish. For people who desire less spice, mild buffalo sauce or extra ranch can be applied. For those who crave more, sliced peppers or a splash of hot sauce. With each variation, the base flavors are always front and center, allowing for an easy switch up of spice levels when it comes to the salad.
Regardless of the venue, buffalo chicken salad stands tall. It’s for people who want something classic but a little spicier than a chicken salad. For parties or small dinners, it’s a dependable dish that most guests are delighted to find. Even when prepared in advance, the flavors remain robust, and the salad maintains its attractiveness.
Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Easy to share.
Fits casual nights or bigger events.
Quick to prep.
Works for both relaxed and busy nights.
Ingredients
Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing balances classic flavors with a little kick and crisp coolness. Every ingredient brings something to the table, be it the boldness of buffalo sauce or fresh bite of veggies. Sourcing fresh produce and premium chicken makes every bite count. For convenience or a touch of your own flavor, both premade and homemade sauces are great. So getting the right mix is key and the options allow you to make it your own.
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2 cups (260 g) cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
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1/3 cup (80 ml) buffalo sauce – store-bought or homemade.
- 6 cups (180 g) romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup (100 g) celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (110 g) carrots, julienned or shaved
- 1/2 cup (60 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) crumbled blue cheese
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1/3 cup (80 ml) blue cheese dressing, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Good, fresh ingredients make all the difference for this salad. Take crisp romaine, snap celery and carrots. The chicken needs to be succulent and fully cooked — you can grill it, poach it or even speed things up with rotisserie from your local market. For those who desire more crunch, radishes or thin strips of bell pepper can slide in nicely. Cherry tomatoes and avocado provide color, richness and a contrasting texture, but they’re not necessary.
Buffalo sauce is essential. Bottled sauces are good for busy nights, but if you want more control, it’s easy to make your own. Melted butter and hot sauce, whisked with a splash of vinegar, provide the perfect combination of tang and heat. Blue cheese dressing is another toss-up. Store-bought brands like Marie’s or Ken’s Steakhouse are convenient, but homemade mayo + sour cream + good crumbled blue cheese lets you adjust the tang and creaminess to your taste.
A good salad is about balance, so don’t skimp on the particulars. Go blue for that sharp creamy depth. Scale the buffalo sauce to your own spice-level tolerance. For additional protein, chopped hard boiled eggs are a great supplement. Crunchy fried onions or toasted pecans are the perfect topper if you’re looking for a heavier meal.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Buffalo chicken salad pairs spicy chicken with crunchy greens and a refreshing blue cheese dressing. We tend to gravitate towards this one in particular. It remains a favorite in many American homes and restaurants, particularly in LA where fresh produce is abundant year-round. The steps below walk through each part of the journey, from prepping the chicken to adding that final garnish.
Prep the Buffalo Chicken
Begin by preparing chicken breasts or thighs, cooking them all the way through. For a quick fix, leftover rotisserie chicken works as well. Either shred the chicken or chop it into bite sized pieces. Toss the pieces in buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Buy sauce or mix up a quick blend of hot sauce and melted butter for more control of the heat. The trick is to keep the chicken juicy but not soggy, so don’t marinate it in sauce.
Build the Salad Base
Place on top of bed of chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce. These greens stand up and stay crisp under the weight of the chicken and dressing. Mix in some thinly sliced celery for crunch and shredded carrots for a bit of sweetness. They like to throw in diced cucumber or halved cherry tomatoes for additional color and texture. Spread all out evenly on a large platter or in a mixing bowl, so it’s easier to toss later.
Step-by-Step Assembly
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Prepare and shred the chicken. Grill, roast or poach chicken breasts or thighs to cook. Cool briefly, then shred with forks or dice into small pieces.
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Toss chicken in buffalo sauce) Put the chicken in a bowl, drizzle it with buffalo sauce and mix.
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Prepare the salad base Coat with ranch and squeeze some blue cheese crumbles on the chopped salad.
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Top with buffalo chicken. Top the greens with the sauced chicken evenly to get a little heat in every bite.
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**Sprinkle on blue cheese. Sprinkle blue cheese atop the salad, smothering chicken and greens for a tangy, buttery punch.
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Garnish and complete. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce, if you’d like. Best served immediately.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with a layer of crumbled blue cheese.
Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the flavor and color! Some like to sprinkle a few extra shakes of buffalo sauce on top for additional heat.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Chill prior to serving if you want the greens nice and crisp.
Dietary Adaptations
Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing is easy to adapt for a lot of diets. This dish’s base can adapt for dairy-free or vegetarian diets, or those who require less salt. These adaptations allow additional individuals to enjoy the taste while keeping things in line with nutritional needs or dietary preferences.
Dairy-Free Alternatives
A big part of that classic salad is the blue cheese dressing, but not everyone can have dairy. You can sub it out for a vegan blue cheese dressing, which uses cashews, or white beans, or tofu, for creaminess. Not to mention there are non-dairy store-bought dressings made with almond or coconut milk. Some folks use a basic vinaigrette or zesty olive oil ranch if they want to avoid creamy dressings completely. These swaps keep the salad hearty but allergy and lactose friendly.
Vegetarian Versions
Chicken is the star protein here, but you have options if you’re not a meat eater. Grilled tofu captures that buffalo sauce flavor nicely and provides a similar texture. Or chickpeas – they roast up crispy, and cling to sauce, making them a great chicken substitute. Or simply sub in tempeh or roasted cauliflower. They both catch the buffalo flavor and contribute their own crunch to the bowl.
Certain L.A. Stores carry pre-made buffalo tofu or buffalo-style vegan nuggets, which is fine if you’re looking to expedite. Homemade roasted chickpeas are easy: coat them with buffalo sauce and bake until crisp. Include additional vegetables, such as shredded carrots or celery, to provide a crunchy texture and added nutritional value.
Heart-Healthy and Low-Sodium Adaptations
Salt is a big component of buffalo sauce and blue cheese, but it can be an issue. Seek out low-sodium buffalo sauces, now a staple in most markets. You can DIY by combining hot sauce with unsalted butter and a dash of salt. For the dressing, opt for a low-sodium or homemade yogurt-based blue cheese, and omit additional salt in the salad blend.
Let fresh herbs and lemon juice be your salting agents as you reduce the sodium content. Include extra greens, such as spinach or kale, which counteract the salty flavors of the sauce and cheese. If you purchase pre-cooked chicken, read the label– some have added salt!
Other Dietary Adaptations
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free buffalo sauce and check all salad toppings for hidden gluten.
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Keto or low-carb: Skip croutons and use full-fat, low-sugar dressing.
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Paleo: Use grilled chicken, homemade buffalo sauce (no processed ingredients), and a paleo-friendly ranch.
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Nut-free: Double-check dressing ingredients and avoid nut-based cheese alternatives.
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Soy-free: Choose dressings and protein swaps that don’t include soy.
Pairing Suggestions
Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing is bold enough to stand on its own, but clever pairings can help round out the meal, mitigate the buffalo spice, and provide that oh-so-satisfying contrast in flavor or texture. Pairing suggestions — great for lunch, dinner or casual get-togethers here in LA, or wherever fresh bread, produce and light soups are available.
Bread and Toast Pairings
A side of crusty bread or garlic toast can absorb additional dressing and enhance the sharpness of the blue cheese. That chew in a country sourdough loaf, or that crunchy, golden rim of a slice of garlic toast, provides a robust backbone that tames the fire in the chicken. For added deliciousness, use a baguette – sliced and toasted with olive oil, or even a piece of herb focaccia. They’re good options for a casual supper or to bulk up the salad into something a little more substantial.
Soup Pairings
Pair the salad with a light soup for warmth and balance. A tomato bisque is the obvious choice, providing a silky acidic counterpoint to the buffalo sauce’s richness. Other good options: roasted red pepper soup or a basic vegetable stock. These soups provide a lighter texture and flavor, which pairs nicely with the boldness of the salad.
There’s nothing like a nice bowl of soup to make the meal feel more well-rounded, especially on cooler days or when entertaining. It pairs perfectly for a lunch spread or a quick work day dinner and it’s simple to prepare in advance!
Food and Drink Pairings
- Celery and carrot sticks for fresh crunch
- Sweet potato fries for a mild, sweet contrast
- Sparkling water with lemon for a clean, refreshing sip
- Crisp lager or wheat beer for casual gatherings
- Dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc for a wine option
- Cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette
- Iced tea, unsweetened or with lemon
- Pickles or pickled red onions for tang
Pairing with these sides and drinks can cool the palate, lighten the meal or add another flavor dimension. Each selection suits a different vibe – be it a fast lunch or a game-day feast.
Fruit and Dessert Pairings
Fresh fruit makes for a nice sweet ending to the meal. Watermelon, pineapple or cantaloupe slices chill the mouth and refresh the pallet, particularly after spicy nibbles. Even just a basic fruit salad with mint can do the trick.
A light dessert, like lemon sorbet or vanilla yogurt with berries, rounds out the meal gently. These choices keep it simple and light, capturing that SoCal spirit and helping counter the assertive flavors in the salad.
Presentation Ideas
How they plate your buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing can define the entire dining experience. The appropriate treatment can transform an ordinary fare into a lip-smacking standout – be it for a light lunch or a gourmet dinner. With these ideas, it’s simple to coordinate the salad’s appearance to the event’s style or family mood.
Arrange the salad in a large bowl with colorful layers for an eye-catching display.
A transparent glass salad bowl is great to showcase the layers – greens at the bottom, then rows of cherry tomatoes, sliced celery and carrot sticks. The toasty orange-hued buffalo chicken rests above, framed by the vivid hues below. Top everything with crumbled blue cheese and additional green onions or chives for a fresh finish. This technique creates equilibrium, allowing every element to shine and enabling visitors to eyeball what’s in the salad prior to plating.
For casual get togethers or family dinners, it’s as practical as it is good-looking. You can place the bowl in the center of the table, allowing each person to ladle out their portion. That way, the salad tastes generous and seductive, and the layers make every bite different.
Use individual serving bowls or plates for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
For something a little more elegant, plate the salad in wide, shallow bowls or large plates. Begin with a bed of greens, layer on an even amount of seasoned chicken, then sprinkle the vegetables and blue cheese over top. A light drizzle of extra buffalo sauce around the rim of the plate adds color and a little kick. If serving to guests, stack the plates in the kitchen and bring them all out simultaneously for that clean, professional vibe.
Nice for a formal dinner or if you want to share portions. Every plate appears artfully arranged and the colors and textures are simple to admire. Serving this way is great for everything from indoor dinners to backyard get-togethers when you’re trying to keep things neat but still fun.
Garnish with extra crumbled blue cheese, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of buffalo sauce for added appeal.
Garnishes will have a big impact on the appearance and flavor of the salad. A few additional crumbles of blue cheese provide more taste, and chopped parsley gives a pop of green against the backdrop of orange buffalo sauce and white dressing. For guests who prefer a little more kick, a gentle zig zag of buffalo sauce on top does the trick.
You can present garnishes on the side, allowing each individual to add as they please. Put out small bowls of blue cheese, green onion and hot sauce – let everyone do a little mix and matchin’. It keeps the dinner party engaging and offers everybody the opportunity to personalize their plate.
Serve in lettuce cups or on a platter for a unique and fun way to enjoy the dish.
Lettuce cups work great for a lighter, hand-held version of the salad. Spoon some buffalo chicken and diced veggies into crunchy romaine or butter lettuce leaves and finish with a drizzle of blue cheese dressing. These little cups are so easy to grab and it makes for a more casual way to serve the dish.
Plating on a generous platter as well. Lay the greens, chicken and vegetables out in nice rows or sections, so each ingredient is exposed. Guests can create their own salads, choosing whatever they want. This style is perfect for buffets or potlucks, where versatility and ease are essential.
Storage Tips
Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing is so much better fresh, but with these Buffalo chicken salad leftovers, you’ll want to save some! Simple storage tips ensure that both the chicken and crisp veggies stay at their peak, whether you’re prepping for the week ahead or saving leftovers.
Store Leftovers in the Refrigerator
Store salad leftovers in a clean, airtight container. This postpones wilting and prevents flavors from mingling with other foods in your fridge. Place the container on a middle shelf, not in the coldest areas, so as not to freeze the vegetables.
Buffalo chicken salad stores well in your refrigerator for approximately 2 to 3 days, tops. Beyond that, fresh greens and blue cheese dressing begin to decay. If you really anticipate storing the salad for the whole three days, then store the dressing and chicken separately. This way the greens won’t get soggy from the dressing or clumps of warm chicken.
Storage Tips Table
| Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Container | Use airtight, food-safe containers |
| Fridge Life | 2–3 days (no more) |
| Separate Components | Keep dressing and chicken apart if possible |
| Salad Placement | Store away from back/coldest fridge spots |
| Labeling | Mark date of storage for safety |
Reheating Chicken
If you want to savor the salad warm, just warm the chicken. Heat up the chicken in a microwave or on the stove top, cool a bit and toss back in the salad. Doing this prevents the greens from wilting immediately.
Don’t reheat the entire salad at once. The veggies and blue cheese dressing go limp when heated. If preparing salads for the week, divide the chicken and greens into individual containers. Warm only what you intend to gobble, and leave the rest cool.
Avoid Freezing
Do not freeze buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing. The fresh veggies lose their snap and water out, leaving the salad mushy once it thaws. Blue cheese dressing, particularly if it’s homemade, can separate or turn grainy when frozen and thawed.
Refrigerate the salad – do not freeze for optimal flavor and consistency. If you have extra chicken, you can freeze only the cooked chicken in a zip-top bag for 2 months, but make the salad fresh.
Conclusion
It’s got both bold taste and good crunching packed into one little cup. The combination of fiery chicken, crunchy greens, and chilled sauce adds a new dimension to lunch or dinner. SIMPLE swaps work for so many diets, so no one feels left out! A cold glass of iced tea or a light lager accompanies it perfectly, and a simple side of carrot sticks or celery completes the meal. Leftovers stick around for a day or two, so don’t throw away what you don’t consume. Do you want to mix up your meal routine! Give this salad a whirl next time. Post your tweaks or favorite sides to friends and family. New ideas always appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for buffalo chicken salad?
Grilled or baked chicken breast is ideal. It soaks up the buffalo sauce and remains tender. You can opt for leftover cooked chicken for ease.
Can I make buffalo chicken salad ahead of time?
You can make everything ahead. Keep them separate in airtight containers in the fridge and then put together just before serving to keep everything fresh!
Is blue cheese dressing necessary, or can I use another dressing?
Blue cheese dressing is classic, but feel free to swap in ranch or a dairy-free dressing. Either way, pick what best suits your taste or diet.
How do I make this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Swap out chicken for a plant-based protein, such as tofu or chickpeas. Then make it your own by using a vegetarian buffalo sauce & dressing to keep the flavors real, but within your dietary needs.
How spicy is buffalo chicken salad?
The spiciness is contingent upon the buffalo sauce. So you can customize the heat by selecting a mild or hot sauce. Use less or more sauce for controlling the spice level.
What are the best greens to use in this salad?
Romaine, mixed greens or spinach work well. They give you that crisp and counterweight the strong flavors of buffalo chicken and blue cheese.
How long can buffalo chicken salad be stored?
Once assembled, consume the salad within 1 day for best freshness. Keep chicken and salad separate for up to 3 days in the fridge for best texture and taste.
