Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad

Buffalo chicken's journey began in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where the original recipe was created as a late-night snack. The signature buffalo sauce—a blend of hot sauce, butter, and vinegar—delivered a punchy, tangy flavor that quickly became a favorite. Over the years, buffalo chicken has evolved, appearing in various forms such as chicken wings, sandwiches, and salads. The versatility of buffalo sauce has made it a beloved ingredient in kitchens across the globe, allowing cooks to infuse dishes with its signature heat.

Discover the delicious and nutritious Spicy Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad, perfect for satisfying your cravings without compromising health. This vibrant dish combines smoky grilled chicken marinated in zesty buffalo sauce with fresh, colorful vegetables for a refreshing meal. Enhanced with a creamy dressing, this salad is ideal for busy weekdays or light dinners. Experience the perfect balance of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients in every bite!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless chicken breasts

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta, if preferred)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)

2 tbsp buffalo sauce (adjust based on spice preference)

1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly. Pour in 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce, ensuring all sides are covered. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

Grill the Chicken:

- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush additional buffalo sauce on the chicken during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Salad:

- While the chicken is grilling, prepare your salad mixture. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.

Make the Dressing:

- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and lemon juice until well blended. Adjust the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce if desired.

Assemble the Salad:

- Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on top of the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.

Serve:

- Toss the salad lightly if desired to mix in the dressing, or serve as is for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your Spicy Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings