Craving the spicy kick of buffalo wings but want a lighter, healthier meal? Try this easy Buffalo Chicken Salad. The real flavor secret is a simple chicken wing seasoning that you can mix at home. After seasoning, cook the chicken in the oven or air fryer, glaze it with buffalo sauce, and toss it with fresh greens. The result is all the bold flavor of game-day wings served in a bright, satisfying salad that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Spice up your next salad!
I’ve long been known for my love of buffalo sauce and for exploring ways to use it beyond classic wings. Over the years I developed a reliable chicken wing seasoning blend that adds depth and heat to chicken without needing complicated prep. That seasoning is the foundation of this recipe — it makes the chicken sing, whether you bake it or air fry it.
This Buffalo Chicken Salad is one of my go-to lunches or quick dinners. It’s fast, full of flavor, and flexible: swap greens, change the cheese, or use more or less sauce to suit your taste. It feels like restaurant quality but is quick and economical to make at home.
Key ingredients
The photo above shows the ingredients and gives you a handy visual for shopping. Below are notes about the main components. The full ingredient list with measurements appears in the recipe card further down.
- Chicken wing seasoning – a small homemade spice blend gives the chicken extra savory and spicy notes. It’s easy to make with pantry spices and stores well, so mix a batch and keep it on hand.
- Greens – use whatever you have: a mix of baby spinach and spring mix, arugula, or chopped romaine all work well. A 50/50 mix of baby spinach and spring mix is my favorite for texture and flavor.
- Salad dressing – a jalapeño ranch or classic ranch pairs perfectly with buffalo flavor. Blue cheese dressing is another delicious option if you prefer its tangy richness.
- Cheese – Monterey Jack, pepper jack or blue cheese crumbles are all excellent choices. Use what you like or what’s in your fridge.
Instructions
Below are clear, easy-to-follow steps to cook the chicken and assemble the salad. Step-by-step photos are included to guide you. Full recipe details appear in the recipe card at the end of the post.
To assemble: toss mixed greens, shredded carrots, diced celery, and finely diced red onion in a large bowl. Mix 1/4 cup buffalo sauce with 1/4 cup ranch dressing and toss with the salad for a creamy, spicy dressing. Slice the cooked chicken and place on top. Finish with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and diced green onions.
Make it like your favorite restaurant
You can easily adapt this salad to mimic different chain styles or to suit your personal taste. For a fresh, herb-forward bowl, add quick-pickled red onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and a sprinkle of za’atar. Swap the greens for shredded kale and chopped romaine and use Caesar dressing for a richer, tangier take topped with blue cheese crumbles.
For a heartier, crunchy version, add cooked chopped bacon, pico-style salsa, and crispy tortilla strips. To keep it lighter, use less cheese and dressing and load up on raw veggies and avocado for healthy fats.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons chicken wing seasoning
- ½ cup buffalo sauce, divided
- 8 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup diced green onions
Equipment
- Air fryer (or an oven)
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season both sides thoroughly with the chicken wing seasoning.
- Place the chicken in an air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. (See oven directions in notes below.)
- While the chicken cooks, toss the mixed greens, shredded carrots, diced celery, and red onion in a large bowl. Combine ¼ cup buffalo sauce with ¼ cup ranch dressing and pour over the salad, tossing to coat.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken, brush it with the remaining ¼ cup buffalo sauce, and air fry at 400°F for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, brush with any remaining sauce, then slice or dice.
- Divide the dressed salad among four bowls, top with sliced chicken, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and diced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Oven option: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 13 minutes. Flip, brush with buffalo sauce, and bake 2 more minutes.
- Add crunch: Top the salad with toasted breadcrumbs, croutons, tortilla strips, or crispy chickpeas for texture.
- Allergy note: This salad is naturally gluten free if you choose gluten-free dressing and toppings.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 357 kcal • Carbohydrates: 15 g • Protein: 22 g • Fat: 24 g • Sodium: 1339 mg
More buffalo chicken recipes
If you enjoy this salad, try these other buffalo-inspired dishes for more spicy, savory meals: buffalo chicken dip, buffalo chicken pasta, buffalo chicken smash burgers, and buffalo chicken taquitos. Each recipe highlights buffalo sauce in a different, delicious way.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger
