This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a fun twist on a classic. With tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty buffalo ranch dressing, it’s packed with flavor!
This salad is perfect for warm days, but honestly, I’d enjoy it anytime. You can whip it up quickly, making it a great lunch or light dinner. Yummy and easy is my kind of meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they stay juicy when grilled. If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken is a perfect alternative. Shred it and toss it with buffalo sauce for quick prep!
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any hot sauce works. If you prefer milder flavors, you can use a sauce with less heat, or even mix in a bit of honey for a sweet twist.
Mixed Greens: A blend of romaine, red leaf, and spinach gives a nice variety, but feel free to use kale or arugula instead for a different taste. Just ensure it’s fresh for that crunchy texture.
Blue Cheese: If you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese can be delicious substitutes. They both bring a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the salad!
How Can I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but it gets easier with a few tips! Start by prepping your chicken properly. Here’s how:
- Before grilling, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps with even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Then slice it into strips for the salad.
With these tips, you’ll have tender, flavorful grilled chicken every time!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, red leaf lettuce, spinach)
- 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk, as needed for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and seasoning the chicken, and then about 20 minutes for cooking the chicken and assembling the salad. A quick and delicious option for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get a nice sear.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them evenly with this spice mixture. This will give your chicken great flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, brush the chicken with buffalo sauce and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Make the Ranch Dressing:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the ranch dressing. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), buttermilk, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little more buttermilk!
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, pile up the mixed salad greens. Then, add the diced sweet potatoes, sliced radishes, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese. It’s colorful and packed with nutrients!
6. Top with Chicken:
Slice the rested buffalo chicken into strips and place it on top of the salad. This will add a spicy kick, making it even more delicious!
7. Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. Either way, this salad is sure to impress!
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy the amazing flavors of your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad!
This dish combines juicy grilled chicken with zesty buffalo sauce drizzled over fresh greens and hearty veggies, all topped off with a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick meal and full of flavor!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken is perfect for this salad. Just shred or slice it, toss it with some buffalo sauce, and use it as your protein base to save time on prep!
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can use feta cheese or goat cheese for a similarly creamy texture with a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try avocado slices for creaminess instead!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the ranch dressing separate to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, simply drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving!
Can I Make the Ranch Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The ranch dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just give it a good stir before serving to blend it well again.
