Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad

The Story Behind the Recipe ❤️

There’s something about Buffalo chicken that just hits home for me. Maybe it’s the tangy spice, maybe it’s the way the sauce clings to every bite, or maybe it’s just the memories of summer evenings spent grilling in the backyard while laughter filled the air.

This Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad was born on one of those lazy summer weekends when I was craving something comforting yet light. The grill was already hot, the fridge was stocked with greens and veggies, and that half-used bottle of Buffalo sauce was staring right at me.

I thought, Why not make a salad that feels like a meal? Something bold, fiery, and fresh — the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out.

The first time I served it, my husband said, “It’s like game-day food met summer salad and fell in love.” 🥰 The smoky, spicy grilled chicken, the crisp lettuce, the creamy dressing — it all came together like a little celebration on a plate.

Now, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is one of our weeknight go-tos. It’s quick, high in protein, and totally customizable. And every time I toss it together, I can’t help but smile — it’s proof that salads can be anything but boring.

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What Makes This Recipe Special 🌶️

This salad is special because it combines everything we crave — freshness, heat, crunch, and comfort — all in one bowl.

Here’s why you’ll love it as much as we do:

• 🔥 Bold Flavor: The smoky grilled chicken coated in spicy Buffalo sauce steals the show.
• 🥗 Light Yet Filling: Packed with lean protein and crisp greens — the perfect balance.
• 🧀 Creamy Contrast: Blue cheese or ranch dressing cools down the heat beautifully.
• 🕒 Quick to Make: 25 minutes from start to finish — perfect for busy days.
• 🌿 Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with veggies, protein, and flavor — no guilt here!

It’s like the salad version of comfort food — satisfying, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🍗 For the Grilled Buffalo Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup Buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

🥗 For the Salad Base

• 5 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup celery, chopped (for that classic Buffalo crunch!)
• ½ avocado, sliced (optional)

🧀 For the Dressing

• ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt & pepper, to taste

🌿 Optional Toppings

• Crumbled blue cheese or feta
• Sliced green onions
• Homemade croutons
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and olive oil. This simple seasoning helps the chicken stay juicy while grilling.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for nice char marks and fully cooked meat (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

Step 3: Coat with Buffalo Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together Buffalo sauce and melted butter. Once the chicken is done, brush it generously with the sauce on both sides while still hot. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrots, and celery. Toss lightly with your dressing to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Top the salad with the warm Buffalo chicken slices. Add sliced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, or your favorite toppings.

Step 6: Drizzle & Serve

Drizzle with extra dressing or a touch more Buffalo sauce for that spicy kick. Serve immediately — while the chicken is still slightly warm.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🥖

This salad can be a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few delicious pairings:

• 🍞 Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette: For dipping and crunch.
• 🥣 Soup Pairing: Try with creamy tomato soup or a light chicken broth.
• 🍟 Healthy Side: Sweet potato fries or roasted veggies.
• 🍹 Drink Pairing: Sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a cold beer for spicy days!

Pro Tip: Serve it in a big bowl family-style and let everyone build their own — especially fun for BBQ nights!

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Customization & Variations

One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations:

• 🐔 Baked Buffalo Chicken: Skip the grill — bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• 🌮 Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Roll the salad in a tortilla for a portable lunch.
• 🥑 Add Creaminess: Mix in diced avocado or extra blue cheese dressing.
• 🧄 Garlic Lovers: Add roasted garlic to the dressing for a bold twist.
• 🥓 Add Bacon: Because bacon makes everything better!
• 🌱 Vegetarian Version: Use grilled cauliflower or tofu tossed in Buffalo sauce.
• 🧀 Different Dressings: Try ranch, yogurt dill, or honey mustard for variety.

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Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover components separately — the salad in one container, the chicken in another — for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Chicken: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, then toss with a bit more Buffalo sauce.
• Avoid Soggy Greens: Only dress the salad when ready to serve.

Pro Tip: Grilled chicken can be made in advance — perfect for meal prep!

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 660mg

This salad packs a punch — lean protein, healthy fats, and vibrant veggies in one spicy, satisfying bowl.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use store-bought Buffalo sauce?
Yes! Frank’s RedHot or Sweet Baby Ray’s Buffalo sauce work perfectly.

2. Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Add more butter or mix the sauce with a little ranch dressing to mellow the heat.

3. What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even bake the chicken — it’ll still be delicious!

4. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Toss cooked chicken in warm Buffalo sauce for a quick version.

5. What dressing works best?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing pair beautifully with the spicy chicken.

6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Use tofu, cauliflower, or chickpeas instead of chicken.

7. How do I meal prep this salad?
Grill the chicken, prep the veggies, and store separately. Assemble and dress right before eating.

8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use vegan butter and a dairy-free dressing.

9. Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it’s just as tasty with chilled grilled chicken!

10. How can I make it even healthier?
Use light dressing, skip the cheese, and load up on extra greens and veggies.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

There’s something irresistible about the mix of spicy, smoky chicken and crisp, refreshing veggies. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up bold, satisfying flavors. 💪

It’s perfect for summer BBQs, game nights, or even meal prep for the week. The balance of heat, crunch, and creaminess hits all the right notes — and every bite feels exciting.

So next time you crave something fiery yet fresh, skip the wings and grab the salad bowl — you’ll still get all the Buffalo flavor you love, just with a wholesome twist! ❤️

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

If you made this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad, I’d love to see your version!

📸 Snap a photo and tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen on Pinterest — I can’t wait to share your creation with our food-loving family online!

Your comments and photos always make my day. Tell me: did you go full-on spicy, or keep it cool and creamy?

Until next time, keep grilling with love, tossing with joy, and savoring every bite. 🥗🔥