If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to whip up, then look no further than this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of zesty buffalo sauce and creamy Greek yogurt, combined with fresh crunch from celery and green onions. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or just want a satisfying lunch that feels wholesome and exciting, this salad checks all the boxes and keeps it light without skimping on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe just right is all about using simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one adds its own texture, tang, or heat, making the final dish a layered delight you’ll want to make again and again.
- 4 cups shredded chicken: The star protein that’s versatile and soaks up the buffalo flavor perfectly.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tangy twist while keeping things healthy and high in protein.
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce: Brings the signature spicy kick that makes this salad irresistible.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped: Provides a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness.
- 4 stalks green onion, finely chopped: Delivers a mild oniony brightness that lifts the whole salad.
- Juice of ½ large lemon: Adds zesty acidity to brighten all the flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives a savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a beautiful color.
- ¼ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in every bite.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding your cooked chicken using two forks or if you’re in a hurry, a hand mixer works wonders for quick, even shredding. This creates the perfect texture for the salad to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Chop the Fresh Veggies
Finely chop the celery and green onions, then set them aside. These little bursts of freshness will add that much-needed crunch and brightness to every forkful.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing and Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, celery, green onions, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so that every shred of chicken is coated with that creamy, spicy goodness.
Step 4: Adjust the Heat
If you love it spicy, don’t be shy about stirring in a little more buffalo sauce to amp up the heat. This step lets you personalize your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe exactly how you like it.
How to Serve High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a little color and that fresh herbaceous note. A few celery sticks on the side make for a perfect crunchy garnish that complements the salad.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with simple sides like whole grain crackers, pita wedges, or even a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa make fantastic companions that keep the protein theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stuff the buffalo chicken salad into avocado halves or hollowed-out bell peppers. Serving it over a bed of mixed greens or wrapped in large lettuce leaves turns it into a fresh, handheld delight that’s both pretty and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your buffalo chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up beautifully, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or quick snacks during a busy week.
Freezing
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh because of the Greek yogurt and crisp veggies, you can freeze the shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce separately for up to 2 months. Just thaw and mix with fresh yogurt and veggies when ready.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the chicken warm, gently reheat just the shredded buffalo chicken mixture (without the yogurt and veggies) in a pan or microwave. Then stir in the fresh ingredients to keep the salad’s bright flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and still tastes fantastic, making your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe even quicker to prepare.
What can I substitute for buffalo sauce if I’m not a fan of spicy food?
You can swap buffalo sauce for a mild barbecue sauce or even a tangy hot honey glaze to keep the flavor interesting without the heat.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, this salad fits well within most keto plans due to its high protein and low carb content, especially if you keep an eye on the amount of buffalo sauce used.
Can I add other veggies to the salad?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cucumber all add color, crunch, and extra nutrients to your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe.
How spicy is the salad as written?
The recipe is moderately spicy thanks to the buffalo sauce, but it’s very easy to adjust. If you prefer milder flavors, use less buffalo sauce, or for a fiery kick, add more until it’s just right for you.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe is truly a game-changer when you want a dish that’s quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavors. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but is packed with wholesome goodness. Give it a try and you might just find a new favorite to keep you energized and excited every mealtime!
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High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is a healthy and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Packed with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy Greek yogurt, it’s balanced with crunchy celery and fresh green onions for texture and flavor. This salad is high in protein and can be served on its own, with lettuce wraps, or on sandwiches.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 4 stalks green onion, finely chopped
- Juice of ½ large lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Shred the chicken: Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the cooked chicken finely, creating a tender texture that blends well with the other ingredients.
- Prepare vegetables: Finely chop the celery stalks and green onions and set them aside for adding crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly mixed and well incorporated.
- Adjust flavor: Taste the mixture and add more buffalo sauce if you prefer a spicier kick. Mix again to distribute the spice evenly.
Notes
- This salad is great served chilled or at room temperature.
- Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast, grilled, or boiled chicken for convenience.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Adjust the level of buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Can be served on its own, as a sandwich filling, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
