Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch

This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is a flavor-packed, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this salad delivers a satisfying crunch and zesty taste. Featuring crispy chicken tenders tossed in a simple buffalo sauce, fresh greens, and homemade cilantro ranch dressing, it’s not only delicious but also aligns with Paleo, Whole30, and Keto lifestyles. You’ll love how easy it is to prep ahead of time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The crispy chicken paired with spicy buffalo sauce brings excitement to your meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and wholesome fats, this recipe is nourishing and satisfying.
• Diet-Friendly: Suitable for Paleo, Whole30, and Keto diets without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile: Customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the heat level.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking while frying the chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients easily without mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for achieving a smooth dressing without lumps.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for prepping vegetables and slicing chicken.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups chopped romaine (or salad greens)
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
• 1 lb chicken tenderloins

For the Breading

• 1 large egg (whisked)
• 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot)
• 1 and 1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For Frying

• 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil (for frying)

For Buffalo Sauce

• 1/3 cup Frank’s Original hot sauce
• 1/4 cup ghee (melted)

For Cilantro Ranch Dressing

• 1/2 cup homemade mayo or purchased paleo mayo
• 3 Tbsp coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 Tbsp cilantro (minced)
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 1/4 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• 1/8-1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

For Garnish

• Additional cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 2: Arrange Salad Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, combine all salad ingredients except for the avocado. Slice the avocado just before serving to maintain freshness. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare Breading Station

Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together almond flour, tapioca flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Heat Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add oil for frying once hot.

Step 5: Bread Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked egg before coating it with the dry mixture. Place breaded chicken pieces in the skillet.

Step 6: Cook Chicken

Cook one side until golden brown (about 3 minutes). Carefully turn using tongs to avoid losing breading. Cook on the second side until fully cooked through—around 6 minutes total depending on thickness.

Step 7: Drain Chicken

Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly.

Step 8: Coat in Buffalo Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce and melted ghee. Dip each piece of chicken in this mixture to coat evenly.

Step 9: Assemble Salad

Cut chicken into pieces if desired. Arrange on top of the salad along with avocado slices. Drizzle any remaining buffalo sauce over everything.

Step 10: Serve

Serve immediately with cilantro ranch dressing on the side. Enjoy your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad!

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is a delightful and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, here are some creative ways to serve this flavorful salad.

For a Family Dinner

• Serve in large bowls: Present the salad in individual large bowls for each family member, allowing everyone to customize their toppings.
• Add extra toppings: Include options like sliced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or nuts for added crunch and flavor.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Pack in jars: Layer the ingredients in mason jars for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
• Portion control: Divide the salad into meal prep containers to ensure consistent serving sizes and convenience.

For Entertaining Guests

• Serve as an appetizer: Create small bite-sized portions on skewers for a fun appetizer at parties.
• Pair with drinks: Complement with refreshing beverages such as iced tea or sparkling water infused with lime.

As a Light Lunch

• Wrap it up: Use lettuce leaves to wrap the salad for a handheld lunch option that’s easy to enjoy on the go.
• Pair with soup: Serve alongside a light soup like tomato basil or vegetable broth for a complete lunch experience.

How to Perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Perfecting your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose fresh ingredients: Always use fresh greens and veggies for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of hot sauce according to your preference; less for milder flavors or more for extra heat.
• Make ahead: Prepare components like the dressing and chicken ahead of time to save effort during meal prep.
• Use quality oil: Select high-quality coconut or avocado oil for frying to enhance the overall taste of the chicken tenders.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

To complement your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch, consider these delicious side dishes that align perfectly with your meal:

1. Cauliflower Rice: A light and fluffy alternative that adds texture without extra carbs.
2. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini offers a fun twist and is perfect for those following low-carb diets.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and filling; they provide a great contrast to the spicy chicken.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh crunch that enhances any salad.
5. Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed in vinegar make an ideal palate cleanser alongside spicy dishes.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with veggies and protein, they create an enjoyable handheld option that pairs well with salads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure your breading mixture has enough salt and spices.
• Not heating the oil enough: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the breading may not become crispy. Make sure the oil is sizzling before adding the chicken.
• Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many chicken pieces in the skillet at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in batches to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Cutting avocado too early: Slicing avocado ahead of time can cause it to brown. Cut it just before serving for a fresh look and taste.
• Ignoring the resting time: Skipping the cooling step after frying can make your salad soggy. Letting the chicken rest helps maintain its crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it may affect texture.
• If you must freeze, store chicken separately from greens and dressing.

Reheating Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chicken on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds on medium power until warmed through; be cautious with greens.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, reheat chicken gently until heated through while avoiding sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead but keep them separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.

What is Paleo-friendly about this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad?

This recipe uses compliant ingredients like almond flour and ghee, making it suitable for Paleo diets while still being delicious!

How can I customize my Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch?

Feel free to add other veggies or substitute the ranch dressing with your favorite dairy-free dressing to cater to your taste preferences.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prepping as you can portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week.

How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?

The spiciness depends on how much sauce you use. You can adjust according to your heat preference or choose a milder sauce option.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and healthy. This versatile dish allows for numerous customization options, so feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients or dressings. Enjoy this salad for dinner or lunch, and experience how easy it is to create a wholesome meal that everyone will love!