Buffalo Chicken Salad

 

When you think buffalo chicken, you probably think of breaded, messy, Buffalo wings with a ranch or bleu cheese dip, right?

While that can be an occasional indulgence on game day, it would not be something I'd eat on a regular basis to feel fueled and energized :).  HOWEVER-when the buffalo chicken craving hits, I've found something just as flavorful with a healthier twist (grilled chicken) and instead of dried out carrots and celery, a big fresh salad is waiting underneath!

This recipe starts by having you make your own buffalo sauce. Don't worry~it's easy (and you can still use your favorite hot pepper sauce (think Frank's Red Hot) as the base. 

Buffalo Sauce:

~3/4 c hot pepper sauce

~2 Tbsp+2 tsp ghee (or butter, preferably organic and grass-fed)

~1/2 c water

~1/4 tsp sea salt (optional; I found this was too much; the hot pepper sauce already has salt in it)

~1/2 tsp garlic powder

~1/2 tsp onion powder

~1/2 tsp ground smoked paprika

~2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (combine to make a slurry)

Combine hot sauce, ghee (or butter), water, optional salt, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, gently boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add cornstarch slurry; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute or until thickened.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

~3 c chopped cooked chicken breast

~1/4 c buffalo sauce (from above recipe)

~3 c coarsely chopped romaine lettuce 

~1/2 c matchstick sized carrot pieces

~1/2 c matchstick sized celery pieces

~1/2 c bleu cheese crumbles (optional; sub feta or other cheese here)

Combine chicken and buffalo sauce in a medium bowl; mix well. Set aside. Combine lettuce, celery and carrots in large bowl. Divide mixture between four serving bowls. Top evenly with approx. 3/4 c chicken and 2 Tbsp cheese. I personally used Garlic Expressions dressing instead of ranch dressing and found it delicious! You can use your favorite dressing (just make sure it has least additives/preservatives).  Feel free to add other chopped veggies in your salad. This is what my meal prepped salad looked like, packed up and ready to go, with a side of fresh fruit and a "topping" for my salad (or could be a snack for later...roasted chickpeas! Be on the lookout for this recipe...coming soon)