Buffalo chicken salad—it’s like a symphony of flavors in a bowl, isn’t it? Once, mid-week, I was scrambling to throw something together and stumbled upon this gem. The tangy zip of buffalo sauce meets the creamy crunch of celery and carrots, creating a dish that’s not just a meal, but an experience.
Steps
- Preheat your grill to the highest setting. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a drizzle of buffalo wing sauce.
- Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
- Chop the carrots, celery, cucumbers, and green onions into small, even pieces. Similarly, chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large serving bowl.
- Finely chop the cilantro and chives, then add them to the bowl with the lettuce and other vegetables. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
- Slice or chop the grilled chicken into your preferred size and mix it with a few tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce. Add the chicken to the salad bowl.
- Drizzle the salad with ranch dressing and additional buffalo wing sauce if desired. Mix everything together and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce)
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 8 to 10 cups chopped romaine hearts
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- Ranch dressing, for serving
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and grill the chicken, then store them in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
- What can I use if I don’t like blue cheese?
- If blue cheese isn’t to your taste, you can substitute it with feta cheese or leave it out entirely. The salad will still be delicious and full of flavor.
- Is there a way to make the salad less spicy for kids?
- Absolutely! You can skip the buffalo wing sauce and use a milder sauce like BBQ or a homemade house sauce. This way, the salad remains flavorful without the heat.
- How can I adjust the serving size of this salad?
- The recipe yields enough for four people, but you can easily adjust it by halving or doubling the ingredients to suit your needs. Add or reduce the components based on your preference.
- What is the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?
- Grilling the chicken is recommended for the best flavor, but you can cook it using any method you prefer, such as baking or pan-searing. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: To save time, chop the carrots, celery, cucumbers, cilantro, chives, and green onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This will make assembling the salad quick and easy during busy weekdays.
- Grill Chicken for Extra Flavor: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salad by adding more of your favorite ingredients or omitting those you don’t enjoy. This flexible approach allows you to tailor the salad to your personal preference.
- Keep Lettuce Fresh: Chop the romaine lettuce just before serving to maintain its crisp texture. This will enhance the overall crunchiness of the salad, making each bite satisfying.
Equipment
- Grill – If you don’t have access to a grill, you might need a countertop electric grill or grill pan.
- Meat Thermometer – For ensuring the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Chef’s Knife – A good quality knife for chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board for chopping all the salad ingredients.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all the salad ingredients together.
- Salad Spinner – To wash and dry the lettuce, ensuring it’s crisp.
