This healthy buffalo chicken salad offers a zesty, flavorful twist on a classic, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, bringing a delicious kick to your mealtime.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cooked Chicken Breast: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover roasted chicken.
- Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; look for lower-sodium options for a healthier choice.
- Greek Yogurt: This is key for creaminess and tang. Sour cream is a good substitute if you don’t have yogurt.
- Celery & Carrots: Add a refreshing crunch. Feel free to use other crisp vegetables like bell peppers.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (0% or 2% fat)
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons light blue cheese crumbles (optional, for garnish)
Spices & Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 (varies with ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Begin by ensuring your cooked chicken breast is shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix and enjoy in your healthy buffalo chicken salad.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, plain Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You’re creating the creamy, zesty base for your chicken salad.
3. Add Chicken and Vegetables
Gently fold in the shredded or diced chicken, chopped celery, and shredded carrots into the buffalo yogurt mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated for a consistent flavor.
4. Mix and Chill
Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve your healthy buffalo chicken salad chilled. You can garnish with a sprinkle of light blue cheese crumbles if you desire.
Variation Ideas:
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onion for more crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Wrap It Up: Serve in lettuce wraps, whole wheat tortillas, or pitas for a different meal experience.
- Herbaceous: Stir in some fresh chopped parsley or chives for added freshness.
Storage Instructions:
Store your healthy buffalo chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary. You will find that the flavors deepen over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this healthy buffalo chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this healthy chicken salad up to 1-2 days in advance. The flavors will even improve as they meld.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Cooked chicken breast, either shredded or diced, works best. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this healthy buffalo chicken salad.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preference.
What can I serve this healthy buffalo chicken salad with?
You can serve it in lettuce cups, on whole-grain crackers, as a sandwich filling, or simply by itself.
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Plain Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness and protein content. Regular plain yogurt can work but might make the salad a bit thinner.
How can I make this even healthier?
Use 0% fat Greek yogurt and load up on extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also skip the blue cheese crumbles.