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

If you’re looking for a flavorful, high-energy lunch that’s actually good for you, this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is about to become your new obsession. Juicy shredded chicken is tossed with crunchy celery and green onion, all blanketed in a tangy, zesty Buffalo Greek yogurt dressing. Each creamy, spicy bite packs a punch, without any heaviness—making it a dream meal-prep option or crowd-pleasing snack. Whether you spoon it onto crisp greens, stuff it in a wrap, or pile it onto crackers, this easy and protein-packed salad delivers serious satisfaction without derailing your health goals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that you don’t need a crowded ingredient list to coax out amazing flavors and textures. Every component helps build the salad’s spicy, creamy, and refreshing character—making each bite completely crave-worthy!

• Shredded chicken: The tender, juicy backbone of this dish—rotisserie, poached, or leftover roasted chicken all work well.
• Celery: Adds irresistible crunch and a subtly savory note that cools the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
• Green onion: Offers a mild oniony kick and lovely color contrast.
• Greek yogurt: Creamy, protein-rich, and much lighter than mayo—use nonfat for an even healthier twist.
• Buffalo sauce: The essential spicy-tangy zing! Adjust the amount for your ideal level of heat.
• Lemon juice: Brightens everything and balances out the richness with fresh acidity.
• Garlic powder: Delivers a mellow garlicky undertone without overpowering the salad.
• Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and an appetizing hint of smoky flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—taste and adjust as needed.
• Black pepper: Lends just a touch of sharpness to round everything out.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

Start by shredding your chicken—rotisserie is super convenient, but any cooked chicken will work. Use two forks or, for a fun kitchen hack, a hand mixer to make quick work of the shredding. Then, finely chop your celery and green onions; you want small pieces so every forkful delivers crunch and color.

Step 2: Mix Up the Tangy Buffalo Dressing

Combine Greek yogurt, Buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to blend it all together. The Greek yogurt gives you that classic creamy texture without the heaviness, while the Buffalo sauce brings excitement and heat. Adjust the Buffalo sauce and Greek yogurt ratio based on how spicy you’re craving it today.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Add the shredded chicken, celery, and green onions to the bowl with your Buffalo yogurt dressing. Using a spatula or big spoon, gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the veggies are distributed throughout. Taste, and don’t be shy about adding an extra shake of salt, pepper, or another splash of Buffalo sauce to suit your preferences.

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

Garnishes

Play up the salad’s personality with classic garnishes like a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or even a few sliced jalapeños if you’re feeling bold. A scattering of fresh herbs—think parsley or chives—adds prettiness and even more vibrance.

Side Dishes

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is delicious on its own, but why not round out the meal? Serve alongside crunchy carrot sticks, celery spears, or crisp bell pepper strips to tame the heat and add a rainbow of nutrition. Pair with sturdy whole-grain crackers or toast for a satisfying crunch, or pile it high on a leafy green salad for an ultra-fresh lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make lunch extra special? Spoon the salad into lettuce cups for bite-sized wraps, tuck it into a whole-wheat pita with greens, or even top a baked sweet potato for a fun, filling dinner. For entertaining, try scooping it onto cucumber rounds or endive leaves for a speedy, no-fuss appetizer that always disappears in a flash!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and marry as it sits, making the next-day leftovers especially delicious!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze it, I wouldn’t recommend it. The Greek yogurt may separate and get watery when thawed, which changes the salad’s creamy texture. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh or refrigerated, and freeze only the cooked plain chicken if you need to prep in advance.

Reheating

This recipe is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. If you prefer your chicken salad a little warmer on a chilly day, gently microwave in 10-second bursts just until it’s lightly warmed—be cautious, as overheating may cause the dressing to separate.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! One of the things that makes Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) so convenient is how flexible it is. Canned chicken works in a pinch, but rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken usually tastes juicier and more flavorful.

Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat level?

This salad is moderately spicy as written, but you’re the boss of the Buffalo! To make it milder, simply use less Buffalo sauce or add a bit more Greek yogurt. For maximum fire, increase the Buffalo sauce and maybe throw in some cayenne or hot sauce for extra zing.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt with a thick, plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut or almond-based. You’ll still get that creamy Buffalo dressing texture, and the flavors will shine through just as well.

What are the best ways to serve this salad for meal prep?

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is a superstar for meal prep. Pack it alongside veggie sticks, stuff it into a tortilla for quick wraps, or portion onto lettuce leaves for easy grab-and-go lunches. It travels well and tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Definitely! This dish scales up perfectly. Simply double (or triple!) the ingredients, mixing them in a bigger bowl. Scoop onto a serving platter, pile into lettuce cups, or serve with crackers for a healthier party spread everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new meal to shake up your routine, give this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) a try. It’s bold, light, quick to make, and endlessly versatile—you might just find yourself coming back to it week after week. Next time you’ve got leftover chicken or need a protein-packed lunch, you’ll know exactly what to whip up!

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