Description
A protein-packed, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in a creamy, spicy buffalo sauce dressing with fresh vegetables and optional blue cheese. Perfect as a light meal or hearty snack with a zingy twist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, finely shredded (skin and bones removed)
Dressing
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s or your favorite brand)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- salt, to taste
Vegetables
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup shredded carrot
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup chives, thinly sliced
Optional
- ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for folding in or topping)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Remove the skin and bones from 4 cups of rotisserie chicken, preferably using the breast meat for best texture. Pulse the chicken 3 to 4 times in a food processor until it is finely shredded but not mushy. Transfer the shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: To the same bowl, add ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, and ½ cup buffalo hot sauce. Sprinkle in ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper if you like extra heat. Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, ½ cup diced celery, ½ cup shredded carrot, ⅓ cup finely diced red onion, and ¼ cup thinly sliced chives to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. Continue mixing for a minute or two to achieve a velvety and whipped texture throughout the salad.
- Add Blue Cheese (Optional): If desired, gently fold in ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese. Alternatively, keep the cheese separate to use as a topping when serving.
- Serve and Chill: You can enjoy the salad immediately or cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop more depth. Garnish with extra chives and blue cheese crumbles before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken breast for best shredding and flavor.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control heat level.
- The salad can be served on its own, in wraps, or over greens for a full meal.
- Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Omitting blue cheese will reduce fat and calories but also reduce tanginess.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored separately for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
