Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your lunch routine with this mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Kale Salad that combines the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, the hearty nutrition of kale, and the creamy comfort of ranch dressing. This isn't just a salad – it's a flavor-packed meal that will transform your perception of healthy eating and leave you craving more with every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the kale by washing thoroughly and removing the tough stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- If chicken is not already cooked, season with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the blue cheese.
- Add the buffalo-coated chicken to the bowl with kale. Gently massage the kale with your hands to soften the leaves and help break down their tough texture.
- Sprinkle halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled blue cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the entire salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp kale and warm buffalo chicken.
Tips
- Massage Your Kale: Don't skip the hand massage! This technique breaks down the tough kale fibers, making it more tender and easier to eat.
- Temperature Matters: Use warm buffalo chicken for the best flavor contrast with the crisp kale.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to match your spice tolerance – more sauce for heat lovers, less for those who prefer a milder kick.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the chicken in advance to make assembly faster on busy days.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, crisp kale and high-quality buffalo sauce can elevate the entire dish.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
