Name: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (diced/chopped); 1 stick celery (chopped ); 1-2 tablespoons red onion or scallions (chopped); 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing; 2 tablespoons mayo; 1 tablespoon Frank's Red Hot Original Sauce; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt & pepper (to taste); For serving: 8 slices bread, lettuce, etc.

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This buffalo chicken salad recipe is perfect for making the most delicious sandwiches with your favorite hot wing flavors! Have a bold and flavorful lunch on your table in just 15 minutes.

Can’t get enough of these flavors? Try my Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta, or this Buffalo Chicken Soup next!

buffalo chicken sandwich cut in half surrounded by Frank's Red hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, and a jar of Hellmann's mayo

Why you’ll love it

I’m always a fan of a Classic Chicken Salad, but sometimes it’s great to change it up! I definitely had fun with this recipe. Eating hot wings for lunch isn’t always practical, so why not try a play on chicken salad so you can pack a mean lunch? It’s creamy and of course has that signature buffalo wing taste from Frank’s Red Hot for the ultimate chicken salad sandwiches!

This is one of those recipes that’s fantastic for a hassle-free lunch. It’s quick and easy to make with rotisserie or leftover chicken, keeps well, and you can transport it easily. Bring it to potlucks, picnics, and more! Everyone will enjoy the zesty flavors.

What you’ll need

Chicken – use cooked Shredded Chicken, rotisserie, or leftover. I used a combo of light and dark meat from a rotisserie chicken. You can even use canned chicken if that’s all you have.
Celery – for a satisfying crunch
Onion – red onion is best for salads. Scallions work too for a pop of freshness.
Blue cheese dressing – for that cooling effect. Use whatever your favorite brand is. I used one from Renée’s (a popular salad dressing brand here in Canada). If you don’t like blue cheese, try buttermilk ranch.
Mayo – for creaminess. I always use Hellmann’s
Hot sauce – we’re using Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce. Make sure you’re using this variety!
Lemon juice – to add a little brightness and acidity. Always use freshly squeezed.

buffalo chicken salad plated on a bowl of lettuce

Helpful tips

You can definitely add some blue cheese crumbles in if you want a stronger blue cheese flavor.
I deliberately left this recipe fairly mild so it can be enjoyed by anyone, but if you want more it more spicy, I recommend tasting and adding more Frank’s Red Hot until you achieve your desired level of heat!

How to make buffalo chicken salad

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

mixing dressing in a bowl for buffalo chicken salad

Prep your ingredients. Add the dressing ingredients to a medium bowl, and mix together until smooth.

adding chicken and celery and mixing buffalo chicken salad in a bowl

Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, celery, and onions, and combine. Taste and adjust if needed. Season with salt & pepper, and enjoy!

What to serve with it

I like it as a buffalo chicken salad sandwich simply with some lettuce for an extra crunch. It would work great in wraps or pita bread as well.
It’s also tasty on its own or over a bed of lettuce for a low carb option.
If you want to make it a soup and sandwich combo, try a sandwich with this Cheesy Potato Soup!

Leftovers and storage

This salad keeps very well. Store it in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container.
Feel free to add a hint of mayo or dressing to revive leftovers if necessary.
If it’s been sitting out for more than two hours, I would dispose of it.

More easy lunch recipes

Questions about this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! I’d also love to hear from you if you made it.

4.50 from 2 votes