Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad

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Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad – Fresh, Fiery, and Full of Flavor!

If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal that brings the heat and loads of nutrition, this Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad is your new go-to. It’s a refreshing mix of crisp veggies, tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, and just the right touch of creaminess and spice. Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a quick dinner any day of the week!

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Buffalo Chicken:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (preferably from grilled or roasted chicken)
  • 4 tablespoons all-natural buffalo-style hot sauce
    (Look for clean versions with minimal ingredients – water, vinegar, spices. Tabasco Buffalo Sauce is a great option.)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons melted ghee or clarified butter

For the Salad:

  • 5 to 6 cups packed chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or omit for dairy-free option)
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dressing:

  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Make the Buffalo Chicken:
    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with melted ghee and buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated and evenly seasoned.
  2. Assemble the Salad Base:
    In a large serving bowl or platter, layer the chopped romaine lettuce.
  3. Top with Goodness:
    Add the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the lettuce. Then scatter the diced bell pepper, jalapeño slices, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and shredded cheese evenly over the salad.
  4. Dress It Up:
    Drizzle the salad with olive oil and fresh lime juice. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste.
  5. Toss and Serve:
    Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, refreshing flavor!

Tips & Variations:

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Keep the buffalo chicken and salad ingredients stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • Add Avocado: For an extra creamy and nutrient-dense boost, add sliced or cubed avocado.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
  • Wrap It Up: Serve the buffalo chicken salad in lettuce wraps or whole grain tortillas for a portable meal option.

This Clean Buffalo Chicken Salad is proof that clean eating doesn’t mean boring. It’s bold, colorful, nutrient-rich, and packed with enough flavor to keep your cravings in check!

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