This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad is a deliciously bold and nutritious twist on the classic chicken salad. Made with tender shredded chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, and zesty buffalo sauce, it’s a quick, high-protein meal perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full of bold buffalo flavor with a creamy, satisfying texture
Quick to make – just mix and serve
High in protein and lower in fat than traditional chicken salads
Versatile – enjoy it in wraps, lettuce cups, sandwiches, or on its own
Great for meal prep and stays fresh for days

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked, shredded chicken
Celery
Green onion
Buffalo sauce
Plain Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Garlic powder
Salt
Optional: fresh herbs, lemon juice, blue cheese crumbles

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, and chopped green onion.
Add the buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and salt.
Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level as desired.
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or use extra-hot buffalo sauce.
Blue cheese style: Mix in crumbled blue cheese or drizzle with blue cheese dressing.
Extra crunch: Add shredded carrots, red onion, or bell pepper.
No mayo: Use only Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Fresh herbs: Add chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro.
Tuna option: Substitute the chicken with canned tuna for a different twist.

Storage / Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This salad is meant to be served cold but can be gently warmed in a skillet if preferred.
Stir before serving if any separation occurs during storage.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

Use shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken is a quick and easy substitute. Just drain it well before using.

Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat, depending on the buffalo sauce used. You can adjust it to your preference.

Can I leave out the mayo?

Absolutely. You can use only Greek yogurt if you want to keep it lighter.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors develop.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended due to the yogurt and mayo, which may separate when thawed.

How can I make it more filling?

Serve it on whole grain bread, in a wrap, or with crackers for a more complete meal.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, especially when served on lettuce wraps or eaten on its own.

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

If you don’t like buffalo sauce, try a light vinaigrette or a mixture of hot sauce and a splash of vinegar.

Conclusion

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that fits into any busy lifestyle. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s perfect for meal prepping, a quick lunch, or a light dinner. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a healthier take on a fan-favorite flavor combination.