Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of a classic Buffalo chicken dish without the added grease! This Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad combines fresh, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy carrots, and refreshing celery, topped with perfectly cooked chicken coated in spicy hot sauce, all drizzled with a creamy ranch and blue cheese dressing. This healthy twist on a beloved favorite is perfect for lunch or dinner, providing a delightful kick that will satisfy your cravings while still keeping it light and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
romaine lettuce hearts
2 (chopped)
shredded carrot
1 cup
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
ranch dressing
1/2 cup
blue cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
butter
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
hot sauce
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for the chicken.
2
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, and chopped celery, mixing well.
3
3. In a separate small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with blue cheese crumbles until well combined. Set aside.
4
4. Add the vegetable oil and butter to the hot skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-seasoned with salt and black pepper.
5
5. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes until lightly browned, then pour in the hot sauce and reduce the heat slightly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
6
6. While the chicken is finishing, lightly season the salad mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
7
7. Drizzle the ranch and blue cheese dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
8
8. Top the dressed salad with the spicy Buffalo chicken and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad?
It is a light and healthy twist on a classic Buffalo chicken dish featuring romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, and spicy chicken with a creamy ranch and blue cheese dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 140 calories per serving in this recipe.
What is the protein content of the Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad?
This recipe contains 10.5g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this buffalo chicken salad?
This dish contains 9g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The salad has 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two chopped romaine lettuce hearts.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 1 lb of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
What vegetables are included in the salad base?
The salad base consists of chopped romaine lettuce, one cup of shredded carrots, and two chopped celery ribs.
What kind of dressing is used?
The dressing is a mixture of 1/2 cup ranch dressing and 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese.
How is the dressing prepared?
In a separate small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with the blue cheese crumbles until well combined.
Is this salad spicy?
Yes, the chicken is coated in 1/4 cup of hot sauce to give it a zesty, spicy kick.
How do I cook the chicken for this salad?
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with vegetable oil and butter for 2-3 minutes, then simmer in hot sauce for an additional 5 minutes.
What type of oil should I use to cook the chicken?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Is butter used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of butter are added to the skillet to help cook and flavor the chicken.
How do I season the chicken?
The chicken should be seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste when added to the skillet.
When should I add the hot sauce to the chicken?
Add the hot sauce after searing the chicken for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
When do I toss the salad with dressing?
Drizzle the ranch and blue cheese mixture over the salad and toss until evenly coated while the chicken is finishing.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, top the dressed salad with the spicy Buffalo chicken and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
How many ingredients are in the Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a light meal and a healthy twist on traditional buffalo chicken.
Can I serve this for lunch or dinner?
Yes, this salad is perfect for either a nutritious lunch or a light dinner.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken breast should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is there any preparation needed for the celery?
Yes, the 2 celery ribs should be chopped before being added to the salad bowl.
Do I need to season the vegetables?
Yes, lightly season the salad mixture with salt and pepper to taste while the chicken is cooking.
Who is the chef associated with this style of recipe?
The recipe tags mention Rachael Ray.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
The recipe is tagged as low fat, providing a healthier alternative to fried buffalo chicken.
How much blue cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
What should the heat setting be for the skillet?
The skillet should be preheated over medium-high heat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific serving count is not provided, but it uses 1 lb of chicken and 2 hearts of romaine as a base.