Save
This crispy buffalo chicken salad brings restaurant-worthy flavor to your dinner table in less than 20 minutes. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cooling ranch creates that perfect balance we all crave, while crispy chicken adds satisfying protein to fresh, crunchy vegetables.
I first made this recipe during football season when I wanted something more substantial than wings but still with that buffalo kick. Now it's become our go to dinner whenever we need something quick but still crave those bold flavors.
Ingredients
- Romaine hearts: Provides the perfect crisp foundation with plenty of crunch and nutrition
- Baby spinach: Adds extra nutrients and a tender texture contrast to the romaine
- Celery: Delivers traditional buffalo wing accompaniment flavor and essential crunch
- Carrots: Brings sweetness, color, and more crunch to balance the spicy chicken
- Frozen breaded chicken tenders: Saves tremendous time while delivering the crispy texture needed
- Buffalo sauce: Creates that signature tangy spice that makes this dish special
- Ranch dressing: Cools the heat and adds creamy richness throughout the salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Cook frozen chicken tenders according to package directions until golden and crispy. Air frying works particularly well here giving you the crispiest exterior in the shortest time. Look for that deep golden color that indicates perfect crispiness usually 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F.
- Assemble the salad base:
- While chicken cooks, chop romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and slice spinach thinly. Arrange them as the foundation layer in your serving bowls. The contrast of textures between crisp romaine and softer spinach creates a more interesting base than either alone.
- Add the vegetables:
- Slice celery and carrots into thin pieces approximately 2 inches long and scatter over the greens. Distributing them evenly ensures every bite has that fresh crunch factor that pairs perfectly with the buffalo heat.
- Dress and finish:
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the vegetables starting with less than you think you need. You can always add more but cannot remove excess. If using blue cheese crumbles, scatter them across the salad now for added tang.
- Add buffalo chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces and toss them with buffalo sauce in a separate bowl ensuring even coating. Arrange the sauced chicken on top of the salad as the crowning element.
Save
The frozen breaded chicken tenders are truly the magic ingredient here. I initially tried making this with plain grilled chicken but the crispy coating creates that textural contrast that makes this salad special and reminiscent of actual buffalo wings without all the mess.
Make Ahead Options
This salad works beautifully for meal prep if you keep components separate. Store washed and dried greens in a container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep vegetables sliced in their own container. Cook chicken when ready to serve for maximum crispness or reheat in air fryer to restore crunch if cooking ahead.
Substitution Ideas
For those avoiding fried foods, replace the breaded chicken with grilled chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. You lose some crunch but maintain the flavor profile. Rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully here when time is particularly tight.
If ranch dressing is not your preference, blue cheese dressing makes an excellent alternative that aligns perfectly with traditional buffalo wing flavors. For a lighter option, try a yogurt-based ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Vegetarians can substitute crispy buffalo cauliflower for the chicken. Roast cauliflower florets until tender then toss in buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative with similar textural appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a complete meal or alongside a simple side of garlic bread for those with heartier appetites. For entertainment settings, consider offering this as part of a buffalo themed spread with traditional wings, celery sticks, and various dipping sauces.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing ahead of time, but it's best to cook and add the buffalo chicken right before serving to maintain its crispiness. Store prepped vegetables in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- → What can I substitute for buffalo sauce if I don't like spicy food?
For a milder option, try BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a lemon pepper seasoning blend. You could also use a mix of buffalo sauce and ranch to reduce the heat while maintaining flavor.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with crispy buffalo cauliflower florets or plant-based chicken alternatives. Simply prepare them the same way, tossing in buffalo sauce before adding to your salad.
- → What sides pair well with this buffalo chicken salad?
Garlic bread, a side of blue cheese dip with vegetables, or sweet potato fries complement this salad nicely. For a lighter option, consider a cup of tomato soup or corn chowder.
- → How can I make this salad lower in calories?
Use grilled chicken breast instead of breaded tenders, choose a light ranch dressing, and go easy on the buffalo sauce. You can also increase the vegetable ratio for more volume with fewer calories.
- → What's the best way to store leftover salad?
Store the dressed salad separate from the chicken. Refrigerate both in airtight containers and combine just before eating. Leftover chicken can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.