If you love the bold flavor of buffalo chicken but want a healthier option, this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect solution! Made with lean shredded chicken and creamy Greek yogurt, it’s packed with protein and flavor, making it an easy, nutritious lunch. You can enjoy it with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like celery and carrots, or even turn it into a sandwich or wrap for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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High in Protein: The chicken and Greek yogurt provide a great source of lean protein, perfect for a filling lunch.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you need something nutritious and flavorful.
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Versatile: Eat it with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, or use it as a filling for a wrap or sandwich.
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Healthy: Low in calories and made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
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4 cups shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken works great)
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2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
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4 stalks green onion, finely chopped
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
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½ large lemon, juice of
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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Shred the Chicken: Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken. Make sure it’s in small, bite-sized pieces for the salad.
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Chop the Veggies: Finely chop the celery and green onions.
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Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, Buffalo sauce, celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Taste and Adjust: If you like it spicier, add more Buffalo sauce and reduce the amount of Greek yogurt. Adjust the seasoning to your liking with more salt or pepper if needed.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations and Substitutions
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Greek Yogurt Substitute: You can substitute Greek yogurt with light mayo or sour cream if you prefer a different creamy base.
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Add More Veggies: Add more vegetables like chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
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Make it Spicy: If you like your buffalo chicken extra spicy, add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra Buffalo sauce.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, but you can also eat it warm if preferred. Just microwave it for a minute or two.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can work in a pinch! Just drain it well and shred it with a fork before using.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Buffalo Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually meld together even more after sitting for a while.
3. Can I use a different sauce?
If you’re not a fan of Buffalo sauce, you can try a different hot sauce or even BBQ sauce for a different twist.
4. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes! Shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles would be a great addition to this salad if you want to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo chicken without all the extra calories. It’s packed with protein, full of flavor, and highly versatile, making it perfect for meal prep or a last-minute lunch. Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or as a dip with your favorite snacks!
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High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)
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- Author: Amelia
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is a quick, easy, and healthy lunch option packed with flavor and protein. Made with shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and spicy buffalo sauce, this salad is perfect for using up leftover or rotisserie chicken. Serve it with chips, crackers, or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
4 cups shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken)
2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
4 stalks green onion, finely chopped
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
½ large lemon, juice of
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer. Set aside.
Chop the Vegetables:
Finely chop the celery and green onions.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, buffalo hot sauce, celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Adjust to Taste:
If you like a spicier salad, add more buffalo sauce and reduce the amount of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level. Add extra for more heat!
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this salad with chips, crackers, or serve it in a wrap or sandwich. It also pairs great with raw veggies like celery and carrots for dipping.
Meal Prep: This salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American