Buffalo Chicken Salad

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Introduction
This Buffalo Chicken Salad combines all the bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings with the freshness of a salad. Tender, spicy buffalo chicken is paired with crisp greens, creamy avocado, and a tangy blue cheese dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite wing sauce without the guilt!

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced celery (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Blue Cheese Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
  3. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
  5. Toss the sliced chicken in buffalo sauce until well coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

  1. In a large bowl or platter, arrange the mixed greens as the base.
  2. Top with sliced avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery (if using).
  3. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top (optional).

Step 3: Make the Blue Cheese Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lemon juice, crumbled blue cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

  1. Place the buffalo chicken on top of the salad.
  2. Drizzle with the blue cheese dressing and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve immediately for a fresh and hearty salad, or chill for 10-15 minutes for a colder option.

Tips:

  • If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top.
  • For a dairy-free option, skip the blue cheese and use a dairy-free dressing.
  • You can prep the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an easy meal prep option.

This Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and creaminess. Enjoy the classic buffalo chicken flavors in a lighter, fresher way!

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