This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of spicy buffalo chicken and cool ranch dressing. Add in fresh veggies for a crunchy bite that makes it super satisfying!
You can enjoy it on its own or pile it onto a sandwich. Honestly, I just can’t resist snacking on it straight from the bowl! It’s perfect for lunch or a fun picnic treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great here for tenderness. You can substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience or grilled shrimp for a different flavor.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s is a popular choice, but any hot sauce will do. For a milder version, you can mix ranch dressing with hot sauce instead.
Mixed Salad Greens: Romaine and spinach are fantastic, but feel free to use kale or arugula depending on your taste. Pre-packaged salad blends work well too!
Blue Cheese: I love the tang of blue cheese, but if you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese makes a lovely swap. You can also use shredded cheddar for a milder flavor.
Ranch Dressing: While store-bought is easy, homemade ranch dressing is delightful. Use yogurt or mayonnaise as a base, seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs.
How Can I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken perfectly can be tricky, but it’s key for a tasty salad. Here’s how you can ensure it’s juicy and full of flavor:
- Preheat your oven or grill pan fully before cooking the chicken for even cooking.
- Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a good base flavor.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer can help you here.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This locks in moisture!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, etc.)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Ranch dressing (about 1/3 cup), plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the chicken, followed by about 10 minutes to assemble the salad. Easy and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, place the chicken breasts in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper over them and toss to coat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it’s no longer pink in the middle. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
2. Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it up and toss it in the buffalo wing sauce until each piece is well coated.
3. Prepare the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, add your mixed greens, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, red onion, chopped green onions, and crumbled blue cheese. Give it a gentle mix to combine all those colorful ingredients.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Now, place the slices of buffalo chicken on top of your salad mixture. Drizzle ranch dressing all over the salad. You can either toss everything together gently or serve the ranch dressing on the side for dipping!
5. Add Final Touches:
For an extra tasty finish, you can garnish with more chopped green onions or additional blue cheese if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!
Can I Use Grilled Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken, simply slice it and toss it in buffalo sauce for a quick option.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Switch out the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in buffalo sauce. You could also use chickpeas for a protein boost, tossing them in the sauce to give that spicy flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead! Store the salad greens, veggies, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Just toss everything together with the chicken and dressing right before serving for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from getting soggy. When ready to eat, simply mix everything together again!
