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Spicy Buffalo chicken salad with a cool, creamy cilantro lime dressing makes an easy and protein-packed game day snack.
I love Buffalo chicken wings, nuggets, dip and just about anything else that's topped with this spicy sauce. And whenever we're watching football, a Buffalo sauce-drenched snack is always on the table. The only problem is that not everyone in the house shares my enthusiasm for spice, so I usually make the snacks a lot milder than I personally like. But if I didn't do this, I would be the only one eating the snacks, and that is so not good, especially with my resolution to eat lighter.
When I was at Walmart the other day, I saw these Farm Rich Buffalo Chicken Bites, and I just couldn't resist picking up a couple of packages. I was also super nice, and I bought some mozzarella sticks for the rest of the family. The Hubs and some of the kiddos love stretchy cheese, so I knew they would love these.
Since I'm trying to eat more fresh veggies, I decided to make a Buffalo Chicken salad. One of my favorite little restaurants serves these, and I get one whenever I go out to lunch. Even though the chicken is spicy, the dressing and the fresh greens help take some of the heat off. If you've never had a salad like this, you just have to try it!
The chicken bites are super easy to make. Just arrange them on a large cookie sheet, and bake them according to the directions on the package. While the chicken is cooking, thaw the sauce packet in some warm water.
When the chicken is done, just dip the pieces into the sauce until they're well coated. Because I was putting them over a salad, I put the chicken bites back into the oven for a little bit so that they weren't dripping wet. This is just optional, though.
I set out a tray of mixed greens and topped them with cut carrots and yellow bell peppers, and then, I added the chicken to the top and drizzled some homemade cilantro lime dressing over the entire thing. The dressing is cool, creamy and helps to take the heat down a notch!
The chicken is made from all white meat, and it definitely fills you up. Oh, and if you serve it in a little cup, it's less messy this way. Just saying!
And the mozzarella sticks? Just check out that stretchy, 100% real cheese! The Hubs and the kiddos just loved these.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 box Farm Rich Buffalo Chicken Nuggets with sauce
- Salad greens
- ½ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- Sliced carrots
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the chicken nuggets according to package directions
- Layer the greens, carrots and bell pepper on a serving tray or dish
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk and onions until well blended
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, salt and pepper
- Layer the nuggets over the salad greens and drizzle the dressing over the top
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
Game day snacks don't have to be complicated. And when they're this easy, that means that I can actually sit down and enjoy the game!
Doesn't this Buffalo chicken salad look tasty? For more easy game-day snack ideas and a chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card, visit the Farm Rich page, where you can also grab a coupon for your favorite products!
Happy snacking!
Miz Helen says
I just love the flavors for your Chicken Salad, awesome! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Walking on Sunshine Recipes says
Thank you for sharing your recipe with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party this week! We hope you'll come back next week for more yummy goodness!
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
Yum! I want to go and make myself a salad like this right now! The flavor combo here is one of my favorites!
Dee says
Thanks, Rachel. It's one of my favorites, too! 🙂
Bella B (xoxoBella) says
I love buffalo chicken! I will have to try this!
Dee says
It's so easy, and we had this again yesterday during the game. 🙂
Katie Crenshaw says
This looks easy and fantastic. I will be trying this soon!
Dee says
Yea -- I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 🙂
Valentina says
Football season or not, I want this!
Dee says
I know -- I think I'll keep this even after football's over.
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
Yum! I love the combination of cilantro and buffalo. This must be so delicious!
Dee says
Thanks, Ilona! It really does taste good! 🙂
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
Dee, I love this recipe! I have a hard time turning down buffalo chicken anything and I am so addicted to cilantro!
Dee says
I absolutely love cilantro. We made another batch of dressing tonight! 🙂
Felesha says
You had me at buffalo! This looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Dee says
Thanks, Felesha! I think I need to make another salad this weekend. 🙂
Heart says
Just by its looks, I can say this is an appetizer. I love its contents and presentation. Impressive!
Dee says
Aww, thanks so much for the compliment! 🙂
Lela says
Girl, I am all over this recipe! Your photos are making me drool! Pinning right now.
Dee says
Yea -- I'm glad you like it! I think I'm going to make some more this weekend. 🙂
rachel @ athletic avocado says
this looks amazing, I love buffalo chicken!
Dee says
Thanks, Rachel. I love it too! 🙂
Emily says
This recipe looks delicious - and perfect to serve to a crowd during the big game! #client
Dee says
Thanks! I like having lighter options along with the dips and other snacks. 🙂
Anita says
This recipe looks so delicious! Hi, I'm Anita visiting from Whimsy Wednesday.
Dee says
Thanks, Anita -- nice to meet you! 🙂