High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad

Craving something bold, fresh, and effortlessly healthy? This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad brings together the spicy tang of buffalo flavor with cool, crunchy vegetables and a creamy, protein-rich base—all without any complicated prep. It’s the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something satisfying but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

The ingredients are simple, the steps are minimal, and the flavors are surprisingly layered for such an easy dish. With tender rotisserie chicken, crisp cucumber and bell pepper, and a Greek yogurt dressing that packs a punch, this salad checks all the boxes: nourishing, balanced, and full of texture and flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick lunch, this is one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself making again and again. ✨

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Ingredients

• 2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken
• 1 Cup Cucumber chopped
• 1 Cup Bell Pepper chopped
• 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 Cup Feta Cheese I use a fat free feta
• 1/4 Cup Cilantro chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Taco Seasoning I use the Siete brand

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the Veggies: Dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and cilantro.
3. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, taco seasoning, and feta cheese. Stir until well blended.
4. Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken and chopped veggies to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Lettuce or Gluten Free Wraps: Scoop the salad into large lettuce leaves, or a Siete Almond Flour Wrap.
• Salad Topper: Place atop mixed greens for an added protein boost.
• Cracker Dip: Serve with gluten-free crackers for a delightful appetizer

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Meal Prep: Divide into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches.
• Avoid Freezing: Due to the dairy content, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture.

Alternative Ingredients & High-Protein Chicken Salad Variations

One of the best things about this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is how endlessly customizable it is. Whether you’re swapping ingredients for dietary needs, adjusting flavors to suit your mood, or using up what’s already in your fridge, there are so many ways to remix this recipe without sacrificing that satisfying, protein-packed punch.

Below are a few creative and nutritious variations you can try—each designed to keep the protein high and the prep time low.

Protein Swaps

Let’s start with the foundation: the chicken. While rotisserie chicken keeps things quick and flavorful, you can easily sub in other high-protein options depending on what you have on hand.

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Classic and lean, perfect if you’re watching fat intake.
• Leftover Turkey: Especially great post-holiday or for a budget-friendly twist.
• Shredded Poached Chicken: Mild and tender, a great blank canvas for bold buffalo flavors.
• Canned Chicken: A pantry-friendly shortcut—just drain and shred.
• Crispy Baked Tofu (for a vegetarian version): Still packed with protein, and it soaks up buffalo sauce beautifully.
• Cooked Lentils or Chickpeas (for plant-based protein): Adds fiber and texture for a different spin.

Veggie Add-Ins

This salad is already loaded with freshness, but feel free to bulk it up even more. These additions add color, texture, and extra nutrients.

• Celery: Classic with buffalo anything. Crisp, hydrating, and low-calorie.
• Shredded Carrots: For a sweet crunch and pop of color.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and depth.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they pair well with spicy heat.
• Shredded Romaine or Kale: Turns the salad into a more traditional leafy mix if you want to eat it with a fork instead of as a dip or wrap filling.
• Corn: Adds natural sweetness and a summery feel.

Cheese Alternatives

Feta brings tang and creaminess, but there are plenty of options if you want to mix it up.

• Blue Cheese Crumbles: The classic buffalo pairing if you’re feeling bold.
• Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy, great for a more elevated flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Lots of good options out there now if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and creaminess without the bold flavor of feta.

Herbs & Seasonings

Cilantro adds brightness, but depending on what you’re working with, other herbs and spices can create something entirely new.

• Fresh Dill: Lovely with cucumber and gives off major summer picnic vibes.
• Chives or Green Onion: Mild onion flavor without the bite.
• Basil: Untraditional, but fresh and fragrant with sweet bell peppers.
• Smoked Paprika or Cayenne: Amp up the smoky heat.

High-Protein Chicken Salad Variations to Try

Here are a few of my go-to spins on this base recipe that keep things interesting and protein-packed:

Greek-Inspired Chicken Salad

Swap taco seasoning for oregano, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Add kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and swap feta for a crumbled Greek sheep’s milk cheese. Serve it in a pita or over greens.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Replace buffalo flavor with a smoky BBQ sauce (just mix into your Greek yogurt), then add corn, black beans, and shredded cheddar. Chopped romaine gives it a nice crunch. This one’s amazing in a wrap.

Avocado Chicken Salad

Mix in mashed avocado with the Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and healthy fats. Add lime juice, diced red onion, and jalapeños. Serve it on rice cakes or in lettuce cups.

Taco Chicken Salad

Add black beans, corn, red onion, and taco seasoning. Top with crushed tortilla chips and a squeeze of lime. It’s like your favorite taco, but in salad form.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad

Double down on that buffalo flavor by mixing in a little ranch seasoning or drizzling with a healthy ranch dressing. Add shredded carrots and celery for texture. This one is also perfect for sandwiches or sliders.

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Use basil, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes in place of the buffalo seasoning. Add cucumber, red onion, and use a dairy-free tzatziki for the dressing if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make buffalo chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually gets better as it sits—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld, the texture stays fresh, and it makes for an easy grab-and-go meal.

Is this buffalo chicken salad spicy?
It has a mild kick from the buffalo sauce, but it’s totally customizable. You can tone it down by using less sauce or make it hotter by adding cayenne, hot sauce, or even sliced jalapeños.

What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
Shredded grilled chicken, baked chicken breasts, canned chicken, or even leftover turkey all work great. As long as it’s cooked and shredded, it’ll soak up the buffalo flavor beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Totally. Use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) and swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or simply leave it out. Just make sure your buffalo sauce is dairy-free too.

Can I make this buffalo chicken salad without Greek yogurt?
Absolutely. Try mashed avocado, cottage cheese, or a thick dairy-free yogurt alternative. Hummus is another great high-protein, creamy base that pairs well with buffalo flavors.

How do I make this salad more spicy?
Want more heat? Add a few dashes of hot sauce, a sprinkle of cayenne, or some chopped jalapeños. Crushed red pepper flakes also do the trick if you’re looking for a slow, smoky burn.

Is buffalo chicken salad good for meal prep?
Yes—it’s one of my go-tos for prepping lunches ahead of time. Just refrigerate in an airtight container and give it a quick mix before serving. It holds up well for a few days and stays super flavorful.

Is buffalo chicken salad gluten-free?
It is, as long as you check your taco seasoning and buffalo sauce for hidden gluten. Most mainstream versions are gluten-free, but always double check to be safe.

How much protein is in this buffalo chicken salad?
One serving typically packs around 25–30 grams of protein, depending on your ingredients. Between the chicken, Greek yogurt, and feta, this salad is a great option for staying full and energized.

Can I freeze this salad?
I don’t recommend it. The yogurt and chopped veggies don’t freeze well and tend to get watery when thawed. This one is best fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic, but I love using Siete or Primal Kitchen buffalo sauces for a cleaner, dairy-free option with simple ingredients. They have that tangy, spicy flavor without additives or weird oils.

Can I use canned chicken in this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken totally works in a pinch. Just drain it well and give it a good shred with a fork before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients.

How can I increase the healthy fat content in this salad?
Easy! Add diced avocado, a spoonful of olive oil, or sprinkle in some hemp seeds, walnuts, or almonds. These options all add richness, texture, and long-lasting satiety.

Enjoy!

Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or pulling together a quick lunch that actually satisfies, this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that just works. It’s simple to make, packed with bold flavor, and totally customizable to your taste or pantry. From wraps to bowls to snacky dips, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen the way it has in mine.

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy