This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with crispy chicken tenders tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce and fresh veggies, it’s an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. The homemade cilantro ranch dressing adds a creamy touch that perfectly complements the spice of the buffalo sauce. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner option, this salad is both easy to make and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, this salad comes together in no time.
- Flavorful: The combination of crispy chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a meal prep option. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite side.
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is compliant with Paleo, Whole30, and Keto diets, making it nutritious and wholesome.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the components ahead to save time during busy weeknights.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking process smoother, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for frying the chicken tenders evenly and achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
Ingredients
For the Salad Base
- 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)
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 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
- 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
Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl until nice and smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, arrange the salad ingredients except for the avocado. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken Coating
Whisk the egg in a small shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix almond flour, tapioca flour, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add oil for frying once hot. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture then coat with dry mixture before placing it in the skillet.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown
Cook on one side until golden brown for about 3 minutes. Adjust heat as necessary. Turn carefully using tongs to maintain breading integrity.
Step 6: Finish Cooking Chicken
Cook on the second side until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside—about 6 minutes total depending on thickness.
Step 7: Coat with Buffalo Sauce
Remove chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce and melted ghee. Dip each piece of chicken in sauce to coat.
Step 8: Assemble Your Salad
Cut chicken into pieces if desired. Arrange on top of salad along with avocado slices. Drizzle any leftover buffalo sauce over everything.
Step 9: Serve
Serve immediately with cilantro ranch dressing on the side. Enjoy your delicious Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}!
How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Serving your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is a delightful experience that can be adapted to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.
Individual Bowls
- Serve individual portions in bowls for a personalized touch. This also allows guests to customize their salads with more or less dressing as they prefer.
Family Style
- Present the salad in a large bowl at the center of the table. Let everyone help themselves, encouraging interaction and sharing among guests.
With Tortilla Chips
- Offer crispy tortilla chips on the side. They add a delightful crunch and are perfect for scooping up the salad.
As a Wrap
- Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with salad. This makes for a fun and low-carb option that’s easy to eat.
Garnished Plates
- Plate each serving with extra cilantro and lime wedges for garnish. This adds visual appeal and enhances flavor just before eating.
How to Perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Perfecting your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad takes just a few thoughtful steps. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh greens and ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
- Heat Oil Properly: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken; this helps achieve that perfect crispy coating.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Frank’s hot sauce based on your heat preference; feel free to mix in other spices if desired.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and dressing in advance, making it easy to assemble when you’re ready to serve.
- Opt for Quality Mayo: Using high-quality mayo will enhance your cilantro ranch dressing’s flavor significantly.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill briefly after assembling but before serving; this melds flavors beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Pairing side dishes with your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad adds variety and balance to your meal. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers and roast them until tender for a tasty complement.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked sweet potato fries provide a slightly sweet contrast that pairs well with the spicy salad.
- Cauliflower Rice: Lightly seasoned cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb side that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Zucchini Noodles: Tossed lightly with olive oil, these noodles offer a refreshing base alongside your salad.
- Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed with vinegar makes a crunchy and refreshing side dish.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances out the spiciness of the buffalo chicken salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} can be simple and delicious, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always salt your chicken before breading it for maximum taste.
- Not heating the oil enough: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the breading may not crisp up properly. 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 temperature of the oil. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cutting chicken too early: Cutting into your chicken tenders right after cooking can result in loss of juices. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor and texture. Check expiration dates on sauces and spices to ensure you’re using the best quality.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen without dressing for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through, but this may soften breading.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it stays crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all ingredients separately and assemble just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crispy.
What can I substitute for ghee?
You can use coconut oil or unsalted butter as a substitute if you prefer. Both options work well in terms of flavor.
How do I make this salad spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce you use when coating the chicken or add sliced jalapeños as a topping.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Can I use different greens?
Certainly! Feel free to mix in other greens like spinach or kale if you prefer different textures or flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spice levels according to your taste. Give it a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is a vibrant and hearty dish that perfectly balances spicy and creamy flavors. This salad features crispy chicken tenders coated in zesty buffalo sauce, paired with fresh vegetables like romaine, celery, and avocado. The homemade cilantro ranch dressing adds a delightful creaminess that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce. Ideal for any meal—be it lunch, dinner, or meal prep—this dish is not only delicious but also compliant with Paleo, Whole30, and Keto diets. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a flavorful meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 large avocado (sliced)
- Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 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
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil (for frying)
- 1/3 cup Frank’s original hot sauce
- 1/4 cup ghee (melted)
- 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)
- Additional cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl; refrigerate until serving.
- In a large bowl, combine salad base ingredients (except avocado) and refrigerate.
- Prepare chicken by coating with egg mixture and then dry mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet; fry chicken tenders until golden brown on both sides.
- Coat fried chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Serve salad topped with chicken and avocado slices alongside the cilantro ranch dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of hot sauce. For meal prep, store components separately until ready to serve.