Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh, healthy, and flavorful meal with a kick, this Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. It’s a light and vibrant dish that combines tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and a mix of crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy lime dressing. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this salad offers the ideal balance of heat, freshness, and texture.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using store-bought rotisserie chicken, you can cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. The buffalo sauce adds a bold, spicy punch, while the addition of creamy Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro rounds out the dish. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a meal prep option, this Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Flavor

The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, fresh lime, and a variety of vegetables creates a vibrant and flavorful salad that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

2. Easy and Quick

This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, especially if you use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

3. Healthy and Filling

With lean chicken, black beans, and plenty of veggies, this salad is not only low in calories but also high in protein and fiber, helping you feel full and energized.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce and jalapeño, or even omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.

5. Refreshing and Crisp

The romaine lettuce and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch, while the creamy cheese and ghee add richness and depth of flavor, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken breast (freshly cooked or store-bought rotisserie chicken)
• All-natural buffalo-style sauce (look for a simple sauce with water, vinegar, and spices)
• Melted ghee or clarified butter
• Chopped romaine lettuce
• Yellow bell pepper, diced
• Jalapeño, sliced (remove seeds for a milder heat)
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Omit the shredded Mexican cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
• Spicy Version: For more heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Protein Options: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or a plant-based protein like tempeh for a different twist.
• Add More Veggies: You can also include additional vegetables like avocado, cucumber, or red onion for more crunch and flavor.
• Low-Carb: Skip the beans if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Shred your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using store-bought rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and shred the meat.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, melted ghee (or clarified butter), and lime juice. Whisk until well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, diced yellow bell pepper, sliced jalapeño, halved cherry tomatoes, and black beans.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and pour the buffalo dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top the salad with shredded Mexican cheese (if using), fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for meal prep.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Control the Heat: For a milder salad, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce. You can always add more later if you want extra heat.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled lime juice.
• Make it Ahead: You can prep the vegetables, beans, and chicken ahead of time and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Just keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

How to Serve

This Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a side of whole-grain crackers, baked sweet potato fries, or a light soup for a fuller meal. You can also serve it as a topping for a grain bowl or wrap it in a gluten-free tortilla for a buffalo chicken wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the lettuce and fresh vegetables will not hold up well once frozen.

Reheating

If you plan to reheat any leftover chicken, do so in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once heated, toss the chicken with the fresh veggies and dressing just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?

Yes, just make sure the buffalo sauce you choose contains only simple ingredients like water, vinegar, and spices. Tabasco Buffalo Sauce is a great option.

2. Can I make this salad without ghee?

Yes, you can substitute the ghee with olive oil or avocado oil if you prefer, though ghee adds a richer flavor.

3. How spicy is this salad?

The level of spice depends on how much buffalo sauce and jalapeño you use. For a milder salad, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and remove the jalapeño seeds.

4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken, beans, and vegetables in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh.

5. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, this salad is versatile. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey breast, or a vegetarian protein like tempeh.

6. Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, like cucumbers, avocado, or shredded carrots, to enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.

7. Can I make this salad without beans?

Yes, if you prefer, you can leave out the black beans or replace them with another protein source like quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled tofu.

8. How long will this salad keep in the fridge?

The salad will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best to store the dressing separately to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.

9. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the shredded Mexican cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this salad dairy-free.

10. Can I use a different type of lettuce?

While romaine lettuce is recommended for its crisp texture, you can substitute it with other greens like iceberg lettuce, spinach, or arugula for a different flavor.

Conclusion

This Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of heat, freshness, and nutrition. With its combination of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, it offers a satisfying and healthy meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad will satisfy your cravings while keeping things clean and nutritious. Enjoy it as is or customize it to suit your tastes for a truly delicious meal!

Print