Welcome the Flavors of High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
Nothing beats a dish that’s both hearty and bright, and that’s exactly what this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe offers. I love how the creamy, tangy Greek yogurt blends with zesty buffalo sauce to give you a little pop of excitement in every bite. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a family dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or protein.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dish that feels a bit special, this buffalo chicken salad fits the bill. It’s wonderfully versatile—you can scoop it onto crunchy celery sticks, pile it on whole grain bread, or toss it over a bed of fresh greens for a wholesome meal. Trust me, you’ll enjoy how effortlessly the flavors come together!
Daisy’s Top Tips
- Flavor Builder: For an extra punch, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or stir in some chopped fresh cilantro.
- Texture Magic: Keep your celery finely chopped for crunch without overpowering the creamy salad.
- Budget Friendly: Use leftover roasted chicken or grab a rotisserie bird to save time and money.
- Time Saver: Shred chicken quickly by pulsing in a stand mixer for 15 seconds instead of using forks.
Market Basket & Pantry Picks
Choosing the freshest ingredients makes all the difference with this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe. You’ll want crisp celery and green onions for that fresh zing. Don’t worry if you can’t find buffalo sauce—you can substitute with your favorite hot sauce and a bit of melted butter for that signature buffalo flavor. Greek yogurt is a must here, keeping the salad creamy but packed with protein.
- 4 cups shredded chicken: Use skinless, cooked chicken breast or thighs for a lean protein boost.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about ½ cup): Adds crunch and a fresh bite.
- 4 stalks green onion, finely chopped: Delivers a gentle onion flavor without overpowering.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creamy base that’s tangy and protein-rich.
- ⅓ cup Buffalo sauce: Provides that classic spicy kick—adjust to taste.
- ½ large lemon, juice of: Brightens the dish and balances the heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth without fuss.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste): Enhances overall flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Rounds out the seasoning.
Smart Shopping Ideas
Look for celery stalks that are firm and bright green—avoid any with soft spots or browning ends. Green onions should be crisp with no wilting tops. For buffalo sauce, the classic Frank’s RedHot is a favorite, but homemade versions are great if you want to control heat. When buying Greek yogurt, choose full-fat or low-fat varieties without added sugars for best texture and taste.
Cook High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe Step by Step
Making this salad is so quick and satisfying—you’ll love how in just about 10 minutes, a vibrant dish comes together to fuel your day. Let’s dive into the easy steps!
- Shred the chicken: I find using two forks to pull apart cooked chicken yields fluffy shreds, but if you want to save time, a hand mixer on low speed works wonders and creates the perfect texture in seconds.
- Chop the veggies: Finely dice celery and green onions so they mingle evenly without overwhelming the salad’s creaminess. Fresh celery adds that inviting crunchy contrast you’ll enjoy.
- Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it up until you have a smooth, bubbly mixture bursting with lively flavors.
- Combine everything: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and green onions to the bowl. Gently fold it all together for a harmonious blend where every bite pops with a tangy, slightly spicy edge.
- Taste and tweak: If you like things spicy, don’t hesitate to add a splash more buffalo sauce—just remember to balance with a bit more yogurt to keep it creamy and cool.
Serving the Dish with Flair
This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe is as delightful to serve as it is to eat. I enjoy scooping it on crunchy crackers or stuffing it into whole wheat pita pockets for a satisfying meal. It’s a colorful salad that brightens any table and invites everyone to dig in with big smiles.
Serve It Up Right
- Perfect Pairings: Crunchy celery sticks, crisp romaine leaves, or warm naan bread make excellent carriers for this salad.
- Plating Magic: Use a ring mold or small bowl to shape the salad into neat rounds for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Leftover Love: Store in an airtight container and keep chilled for up to 3 days; stir gently before serving again.
- Occasion Twist: Spice it up for game day by serving as sliders or topping baked potatoes for a crowd-pleaser.
Fun Variations with High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Add diced avocado for a creamy and buttery swirl that cools the heat.
- Mix in some shredded carrot or chopped bell pepper for extra crunch and color.
- Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ for a sweeter, smoky twist.
- Turn it into a wrap filling with whole wheat tortillas and fresh spinach.
- Sprinkle in crumbled blue cheese for an authentic buffalo flavor experience.
- Include toasted pecans or walnuts to add a nutty texture surprise.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store your salad in a sealed container for up to 3 days—flavors marry beautifully overnight!
- Freeze: Avoid freezing this salad since the yogurt and celery can lose their texture.
- Reheat: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature—warm it gently if desired but avoid the microwave.
- Prep Ahead: Cook and shred your chicken in bulk to save time on busy days.
High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves you prep time.
- How spicy is this salad? The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce. Start with less, then add more as you like it.
- Is Greek yogurt necessary? For the creamy texture and extra protein, yes! But sour cream can work if you’re in a pinch.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and a buffalo sauce without dairy ingredients.
- What to serve with this salad? I love crisp veggies, toasted bread, or even stuffing it inside a baked potato for a filling meal.
High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
A flavorful and protein-packed Buffalo Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken with a spicy buffalo sauce and creamy Greek yogurt, balanced by fresh celery, green onions, and tangy lemon juice. Perfect as a healthy lunch or light dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 4 stalks green onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
- ½ large lemon, juice of
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Shred Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken using two forks or a hand mixer until you achieve fine, uniform pieces suitable for mixing.
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the celery and green onions for added crunch and flavor in the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, chopped celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and if you prefer it spicier, add additional buffalo sauce, balancing with less Greek yogurt to maintain consistency.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, increase the amount of buffalo sauce and reduce Greek yogurt accordingly.
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Serve the salad chilled for best flavor and texture.
- Pairs well with leafy greens, whole grain bread, or in a wrap.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
