High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

If you’re craving a flavorful and nutritious meal, look no further than this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy). Perfect for busy lunches or quick dinners, this salad packs a punch with its zesty flavor and high protein content. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, with chips or crackers, or as a filling in sandwiches or wraps. Plus, it can be made in just 10 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This salad takes only 10 minutes to make, perfect for those busy days.
• High in protein: Each serving boasts 20 grams of protein, making it a satisfying meal option.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone dish, a dip with veggies, or stuffed in a wrap.
• Zesty flavor: The buffalo sauce adds a delicious kick that will excite your taste buds.
• Healthy ingredients: Made with Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables, it’s guilt-free and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients effortlessly.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accuracy in your ingredient quantities for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups shredded 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 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

How to Make High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Shred your chicken using either two forks or a hand mixer until it’s finely shredded.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

1. Finely chop the celery and green onions using a knife on a cutting board.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, chopped celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings

1. Taste your salad. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce and adjust the amount of Greek yogurt accordingly!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad! Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

How to Serve High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is versatile and delicious. You can enjoy it in various ways that suit your taste and lifestyle.

As a Dip

• Serve with crunchy veggies like celery and carrots for a healthy snack.
• Pair with whole grain chips or crackers for added texture.

In a Sandwich or Wrap

• Use whole grain bread or wraps to make a satisfying meal.
• Add fresh greens like spinach or lettuce for extra nutrients.

On a Bed of Greens

• Place the salad over mixed greens for a refreshing salad option.
• Top with additional veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers for color and flavor.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Spoon the salad over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a hearty lunch.
• This adds fiber and makes the dish more filling.

How to Perfect High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

To make your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of buffalo sauce.
• Add Crunch: Include chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for an added crunch.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
• Experiment with Herbs: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an aromatic twist.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

Pairing side dishes with your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Veggie Sticks: Crunchy carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks add freshness and color.
2. Pita Chips: These are perfect for dipping and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the salad.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer natural sweetness and complement spicy flavors well.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the buffalo chicken salad.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cool down the spice while adding natural sweetness.
6. Rice Cakes: Light and airy, rice cakes are great for scooping up your buffalo chicken mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a high protein Buffalo chicken salad is simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough seasoning can lead to a bland salad. Make sure you measure out your spices and adjust to your taste.
• Overcooking the chicken – If you’re cooking your chicken from scratch, be careful not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked properly without drying it out.
• Using low-quality sauce – Using a low-quality buffalo sauce can affect the flavor. Choose a good brand or make your own for the best taste.
• Not chilling before serving – Serving the salad immediately can result in flavors that haven’t melded yet. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
• Neglecting texture – Adding only one type of vegetable can make the salad monotonous. Include different textures by adding celery and green onions.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

• Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
• If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

• Oven – Preheat at 350°F, heat covered for about 15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying high protein Buffalo chicken salad.

Can I use other types of meat for this salad?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef based on your preference.

How can I make this high protein Buffalo chicken salad more filling?

Add ingredients like quinoa or chickpeas to increase its heartiness while keeping it healthy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stores well and can be made ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.

What should I serve with the high protein Buffalo chicken salad?

It pairs well with whole-grain crackers, fresh veggies, or even as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

This high protein Buffalo chicken salad is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level according to your taste. Whether you enjoy it as a dip or a sandwich filling, it’s perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Give it a try!

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High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy)

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• Author: Laura Milligan
• Total Time: 41 minute
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

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Description

Enjoy a quick and nutritious meal with our High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad (Healthy, Easy). Perfect for lunch or snacks—try it today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 4 stalks green onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
• Juice of ½ large lemon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Shred cooked chicken using two forks or a hand mixer until fine.
2. Finely chop the celery and green onions.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, buffalo sauce, celery, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Main
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Substitute chicken with turkey or beef for variety.