Ever since I discovered this easy recipe, it’s been one of my absolute go-to’s for a quick lunch, or for meal-prepping lunch containers for the week. I love to meal prep and I honestly wish I could learn to make it more of a priority (I’m sensing an upcoming New Year’s resolution here…). Having lighter, healthy meals ready-to-serve during the weeks when I’m trying to be good really does help the cause a whole bunch.
This easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is low carb, and I use reduced calorie mayo when I make a batch so it’s low fat as well. However, this stuff is so flavorful that I feel like I’m getting away with something naughty after bite.
This creamy Buffalo Chicken Salad also cleans up quite nicely, and it looks absolutely scrumptious nestled in a festive serving bowl atop a bed of crisp, green lettuce. I think this no-fuss chicken salad is a great small bite or starter for any occasion.
It could also be a tasty addition to holiday charcuterie boards surrounded by assorted crackers, sliced veggies, fruit, cheese, pepper jelly and easy tomato chutney.
How to make easy buffalo chicken salad
To make a small batch of this rich, flavorful chicken salad you’ll need 1-1/2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, celery, fresh onion, your favorite mayo and some Buffalo wing hot sauce. I most often use one (12.5 ounce) can of chicken for this recipe, but you can use freshly prepared chicken or a measure of deli rotisserie chicken, if you prefer to.
Because canned chicken is seasoned, I do not typically add extra salt into this mix, the chicken provides enough salt for my taste. But, I love to add a good pinch of black pepper. I just love ground black pepper! However, you can season up your batch of Buffalo chicken salad to your taste, of course.
After the chicken is shredded and the veggies are finely diced, all that’s left to do is just a little bit of stirring and the dreamy chicken salad is ready to serve. This is a great make ahead recipe, and it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This simple recipe can also be reimagined as a Buffalo Turkey Salad, in case anyone reading this post may be in need of a delicious way to use up any leftover turkey after a Thanksgiving day feast!
‘Tis the season for tasty leftover turkey recipes and this is a good one.
If you come over to see me this holiday season, don’t be surprised if you see this Buffalo Chicken Salad waiting for you on the appetizer table. It’s kind of one of my favorite dishes at the moment, and possibly forever and it will be served a bunch in the upcoming weeks!
Just grab a cracker or a celery stick and dig into this no-fuss, crazy delicious chicken salad with me. We might have to find some chardonnay to enjoy to round out the meal.
Happy eating, my friends! 🎄🦃🍘❤️
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Buffalo Chicken Salad
Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutesThis easy Buffalo Chicken Salad is a simple, budget-friendly, no-cook, main dish that’s full of satisfying flavor! This recipe yields three 1/2 cup servings, so double or triple the recipe as needed.
Ingredients
1 can (12.5 ounce) chicken breast, drained
1 medium stalk celery, finely diced
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
3 tbsp mayonnaise (I use reduced caloried mayo)
good pinch of ground black pepper
3 – 4 tablespoons Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or your favorite Buffalo-style sauce, or to taste
Directions
- Place the drained chicken in a medium-size mixing bowl and shred it with a fork or pastry cutter. Mix in celery, onions and black pepper and stir.
- Add mayonnaise and hot sauce to the chicken mixture and stir until all ingredients are well-corporated.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Enjoy with assorted crackers, assorted fresh veggies or make a delicious sandwich with your favorite bread.
Marcelle, I have tried to leave a comment multiple times, but I get an error message about SPAM and a negative post.
Hi Charlie, thank you for messaging me to let me know. I’m not sure why the anti-spam flagged you, it’s also flagged another blogging friend. I always check the “spam” before I clear the folder, I will keep approving comments I find in that folder. Hopefully AI picks up on that lol I appreciate your support and your kind comments, always!
Very nice Marcelle
I’ve seen canned chicken breasts at Costco, and I was wondering how to use it – I guess I know the answer now lol While I prefer lighter salads with no heavy dressing, sometimes you want something more substantial, and this salad will fit the bill!
Hi Ben! I wish I had a Costco near me, I miss shopping there. I grew up eating canned chicken, my mom used it a lot at home. It’s inexpensive and it really has good flavor, it’s great for an easy chicken salad. Thank you so much and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Marcelle, Buffalo Chicken Salad is always a hit. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Canned chicken breast? Have never seen or heard of anything like that….the salad looks quite appealing.
Maybe it’s a weird American thing. 🙂 Canned chicken is available right next to canned tuna here. It’s inexpensive and good 🙂 Thank you, Angie!