This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of spicy and creamy! It has juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy ranch dressing that ties it all together.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, roasted chicken or grilled turkey breast can work well too.
Buffalo Sauce: You can use homemade buffalo sauce for a fresh taste or store-bought for convenience. If you want less heat, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or a barbecue sauce mixed with hot sauce.
Romaine Lettuce: This adds crunch, but feel free to swap in butter lettuce or spinach if that’s what you have on hand. They’re both tasty alternatives.
Blue Cheese: While blue cheese adds a unique flavor, feta or goat cheese can be used for a different twist. You can skip cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make a Creamy Ranch Dressing?
Homemade ranch dressing is simple and adds a personal touch to your salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with mayonnaise and sour cream as your base.
- Mix in buttermilk for creaminess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Add dried dill, parsley, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. Adjust these to suit your taste. I like a bit more garlic!
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for brightness.
Cover and chill to let the flavors meld; this makes a big difference!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a little extra time for the ranch dressing to chill. You’ll need about 10 minutes to cook the chicken and assemble the salad, making it a quick and delicious dish perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ranch Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until everything is well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then pop it in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
3. Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce:
After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips. In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with buffalo sauce until they’re well-coated. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on how spicy you want it!
4. Assemble the Salad:
In large serving bowls, start with a bed of chopped romaine lettuce. Then, arrange the shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and radishes around the sides for a colorful presentation.
5. Add the Buffalo Chicken:
Place the buffalo chicken strips right in the center of each salad bowl, making it the star of the dish!
6. Top with Blue Cheese and Dressing:
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the chicken, then drizzle your homemade ranch dressing on top. The creamy ranch pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo chicken!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over each salad for a pop of color. Serve it immediately to enjoy the delightful spicy and creamy flavors of this buffalo ranch chicken salad!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just make sure to reheat the chicken before tossing it in buffalo sauce to warm it up and blend the flavors.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the dressing.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the buffalo chicken separate from the greens and dressing to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, combine everything again and enjoy!
Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to drizzle extra buffalo sauce over the salad or add some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick! You can also try using a hotter buffalo sauce if you prefer more heat.
