Name: Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488598H54M40S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded chicken; 1 cup 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 salt (more to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper

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If you’re looking for a quick meal that packs a protein punch, this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is your answer! Perfect for lunch or as a snack, it combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the creamy texture of Greek yogurt. This salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to be enjoyed in wraps, on salads, or even on its own. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need something fast, this recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip this salad up in under 10 minutes!
High in Protein: Packed with shredded chicken and Greek yogurt, this salad provides a healthy dose of protein.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, as a wrap filling, or atop a bed of greens.
Health-Conscious Ingredients: With Greek yogurt and no mayo, it’s a guilt-free choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store it for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy), having the right tools can streamline the process. Gather your kitchen essentials before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Forks or hand mixer
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
Forks or hand mixer: These tools help shred the chicken quickly and efficiently.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for finely chopping celery and green onions.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to prepare your vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

4 cups shredded chicken
2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
4 stalks green onion, finely chopped
1 cup Greek yogurt (I use nonfat)
⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
½ large lemon, juice of
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt (more to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper

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

Step 1: Shred Your Chicken

Begin by shredding your chicken using either two forks or a hand mixer. This makes it easier to mix into your salad.

Step 2: Prepare Your Veggies

Finely chop the celery and green onions. Set them aside for mixing later.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

If you prefer more heat in your salad, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce while reducing the amount of Greek yogurt!

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy) is now ready to be served! Enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge for later!

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

This Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve it that will elevate your meal experience.

On a Bed of Greens

Mixed greens: Serve the salad on a bed of fresh mixed greens for added crunch and nutrients.
Spinach: Use baby spinach for a mild flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.

In a Wrap

Whole wheat tortilla: Spread the salad on a whole wheat tortilla, roll it up, and enjoy a hearty wrap.
Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the salad.

With Crackers or Chips

Whole grain crackers: Pair the salad with whole grain crackers for an easy snack or appetizer.
Tortilla chips: Enjoy with crunchy tortilla chips for a fun twist on traditional nachos.

As a Sandwich Filling

Toasted bread: Use this salad as a filling for sandwiches on toasted bread or rolls.
Bagels: Spread it on your favorite bagel for a protein-packed breakfast or lunch.

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

To make your Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh celery and green onions add crunch and enhance flavors in your salad.
Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by varying the amount of buffalo sauce; more sauce equals more spice!
Opt for Greek yogurt: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise keeps it healthy while adding extra protein.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes can improve its flavors and texture.
Pair with toppings: Consider adding sliced avocado or crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy)

Complement your Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad with these tasty side dishes that balance out the meal perfectly.

Vegetable Sticks: Carrot and cucumber sticks offer crunch and freshness alongside your salad.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings natural sweetness to contrast with the spicy buffalo chicken.
Quinoa: Cooked quinoa adds healthy grains to your meal and boosts overall protein intake.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These provide a sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with buffalo chicken’s spice.
Hummus and Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with pita chips makes for a satisfying snack option.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add great texture and coolness to balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking the chicken: Using dry or overcooked chicken can ruin the salad’s texture. Always shred leftover rotisserie chicken or poach fresh chicken to retain moisture.
Ignoring seasoning balance: Not adjusting the salt and pepper can lead to a bland flavor. Taste as you mix and adjust seasonings to create a well-rounded taste.
Using regular yogurt: Opting for regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt can alter the dish’s creaminess and protein content. Greek yogurt adds a rich texture and nutritional benefits.
Skipping the lemon juice: Omitting lemon juice makes the salad taste flat. The acidity brightens flavors, so always include it for that zesty kick.
Not using fresh ingredients: Relying solely on canned or pre-packaged ingredients may compromise freshness. Fresh celery and green onions add crunch and flavor that canned options lack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Keep it refrigerated at all times to prevent spoilage.

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

Freeze in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated thoroughly, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad that might help you!

How can I make this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad even healthier?

You can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute with a lower-calorie version. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots also boosts nutrition without compromising flavor.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using canned chicken is an option if you’re short on time. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing it into your salad to avoid excess moisture.

Is this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

What can I serve with Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad?

Pair it with whole-grain wraps, lettuce cups, or enjoy it as a topping on whole-grain crackers. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches!

Can I customize ingredients in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add additional veggies like diced cucumbers or swap Greek yogurt with cottage cheese for a different flavor profile while keeping it high-protein.

Final Thoughts

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is not only packed with protein but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect as a quick lunch or snack and allows for plenty of customization options. Experiment with different add-ins like avocado or spices to make it your own!

Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy)

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Author: Florence
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Lunch
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re craving a quick and nutritious meal, look no further than this Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein, Healthy). Bursting with flavor from zesty buffalo sauce and creamy Greek yogurt, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Serve it alone, in wraps, or atop greens for a satisfying lunch or snack. With its high protein content from shredded chicken and Greek yogurt, it’s the perfect choice for meal prep or a speedy weeknight dinner. In just under 10 minutes, you can whip up a healthy dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Instructions

Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer until it's finely shredded.
Finely chop the celery and green onions and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately or refrigerate for later.