This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a fun twist on your usual salad. It combines tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing for a zesty taste!
You can enjoy it on its own or pile it onto a bun for a tasty sandwich. Honestly, I love using extra ranch dressing—because who can resist more creaminess? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this salad, but you can use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. Shredded chicken from leftovers also works well!
Buffalo Sauce: This gives the salad its signature spicy kick. If you prefer milder heat, look for a mild buffalo sauce or mix in some hot sauce with less spice. You could also try barbecue sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Mixed Salad Greens: I like a mix of romaine, leaf lettuce, and spinach for variety, but you can use any greens you have on hand, like kale or arugula.
Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese adds richness. If you’re not a fan, try feta or goat cheese instead. For dairy-free options, check out plant-based cheese varieties.
Ranch Dressing: Traditional ranch dressing is fantastic, but you can use yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option. Homemade ranch is also an easy alternative!
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly for the Salad?
Cooking the chicken correctly is key to a delicious Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad. Here’s how to get juicy and flavorful chicken:
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil—this helps it stay moist and adds flavor. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy. Then slice it into strips and toss with buffalo sauce.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken that adds great flavor to your salad!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, leaf lettuce, spinach)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced radishes
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the chicken, with an additional 5 minutes for assembling the salad. All in all, you can enjoy a fresh and zesty meal in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. While that’s heating, lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. This will help them cook evenly and taste delicious.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Once your grill or skillet is ready, place the chicken breasts on it. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are fully cooked and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Slice and Coat the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This makes sure it stays juicy! Once it has rested, slice the chicken into strips. In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with buffalo sauce until each piece is nicely coated. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on how spicy you want it!
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, arrange your mixed salad greens as the base. On top of the greens, add the shredded carrots, diced radishes, and crumbled blue cheese. This makes for a colorful and inviting salad!
5. Add the Chicken:
Place the buffalo chicken strips right on top of your salad. This will be the star of your dish!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top. If you love more flavor, feel free to add extra ranch to your liking. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you’d like a little extra freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This salad is best served immediately, so dig in and enjoy the vibrant flavors of spicy buffalo chicken combined with cool ranch dressing and fresh veggies. It’s tasty, fun, and sure to satisfy!
Can I Use Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked grilled or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or slice the chicken and toss it in buffalo sauce before adding it to your salad.
What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?
No worries! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta cheese, goat cheese, or even omit the cheese entirely. The salad will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and add some extra protein with chickpeas or black beans. You can also use a buffalo sauce made from plant-based ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the greens fresh, consider storing the chicken separately and adding it just before eating. When ready to enjoy, you can mix in fresh ranch dressing or a splash of buffalo sauce if needed!
