Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Crumbles

Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Crumbles is the perfect fusion of bold, spicy comfort food and fresh, crisp greens. Inspired by classic buffalo wings, this salad delivers all the flavor you love—tangy hot sauce, juicy chicken, and rich blue cheese—without the heaviness of fried wings. The spicy buffalo chicken is balanced by cool, crunchy vegetables and creamy blue cheese crumbles, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.

This salad is ideal when you’re craving something spicy yet still want a wholesome, protein-packed dish. It works equally well as a hearty lunch, a quick dinner, or even a game-day meal served in a lighter form.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it:

• Brings classic buffalo wing flavors into a fresh, healthy salad
• Has the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch
• Is filling without feeling heavy
• Comes together quickly with simple ingredients
• Feels indulgent while still being nutritious

It’s comfort food made smarter.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Packed with protein and bold flavor
• Perfect for buffalo sauce lovers
• Great low-carb and keto-friendly option
• Easy to customize for spice level
• Ideal for meal prep or quick dinners

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Calories: ~430–480 calories per serving (approx.)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ⅓ cup buffalo hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

For the Salad

• 6 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup blue cheese crumbles

Optional Dressing

• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, to taste

Cooking Directions

• Cook and coat chicken in buffalo sauce
• Prepare fresh salad ingredients
• Assemble salad and finish with blue cheese

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry.
2. Rub with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and melted butter.
2. Adjust heat level to taste.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken

1. Slice chicken into strips.
2. Toss warm chicken with buffalo sauce until fully coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, celery, onion, and carrots.

Step 6: Assemble

1. Top salad with buffalo chicken strips.
2. Sprinkle generously with blue cheese crumbles.
3. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while chicken is warm
• Pair with garlic bread or a baked potato
• Serve family-style or as individual bowls
• Great for lunch, dinner, or game day

Recipe Tips

• Let chicken rest before slicing for juicy results
• Add more butter to buffalo sauce for milder heat
• Use freshly crumbled blue cheese for best flavor
• Keep dressing on the side to prevent soggy greens
• Add celery for authentic buffalo flavor

Variations

1. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad: Grill chicken for smoky flavor
2. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad: Use breaded and baked chicken
3. Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip carrots and use full-fat dressing
4. Buffalo Shrimp Salad: Swap chicken for spicy shrimp
5. Vegetarian Buffalo Salad: Use buffalo cauliflower or tofu

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Buffalo chicken: Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Salad greens: Store separately for 1–2 days
• Dressing: Refrigerate up to 5 days

Freezing

• Chicken can be frozen (without sauce) for up to 2 months
• Do not freeze salad greens or blue cheese

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill pan or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Crumbles is a bold, satisfying dish that delivers the irresistible flavor of buffalo wings in a lighter, fresher way. Spicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy blue cheese come together for a salad that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re cutting carbs, meal prepping, or simply craving something flavorful, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.