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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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl; refrigerate until serving.
  2. In a large bowl, combine salad base ingredients (except avocado) and refrigerate.
  3. Prepare chicken by coating with egg mixture and then dry mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet; fry chicken tenders until golden brown on both sides.
  5. Coat fried chicken with buffalo sauce.
  6. Serve salad topped with chicken and avocado slices alongside the cilantro ranch dressing.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • 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.

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