Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Salad

This bold salad brings together juicy buffalo chicken skewers cooled by creamy ranch-style dressing and plenty of summer colors. It is a favorite whenever I want something crowd-pleasing for a warm night or backyard get-together with just enough spice to keep things interesting.

Every time I serve this salad there is something for everyone The combination of tangy buffalo sauce crisp bacon crunchy corn and cooling avocado makes it craveworthy The skewers always bring a little extra excitement to dinner

Ingredients

• Buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite for the right balance of heat The base of both the chicken and the added drizzle
• Honey: Adds just the right sweetness to mellow the buffalo sauce Go for local honey if you can
• Extra virgin olive oil: Makes the chicken tender and helps the seasonings stick Pick a fresh bright oil
• Chicken breasts: Look for firm even pieces Trim well for best cubes and fast grilling
• Seasoned salt: Adds depth to the chicken You can use a homemade version or your favorite blend
• Shredded lettuce: Any crisp lettuce works but romaine holds up well for chopped salads
• Fresh cilantro: Adds brightness to both the salad and the dressing Use the leaves and tender stems
• Cherry tomatoes: Little bursts of sweet acid Pick them ripe and vibrant for best flavor
• Grilled corn kernels: Adds smokiness and crunch If you have time grill the corn fresh otherwise canned or frozen works
• Chopped peperoncini: Brings a tangy punch and a mild zip Drain well to avoid a soggy salad
• Crumbled blue cheese or cubed cheddar: Pick your favorite Blue cheese is bold Cheddar is salty and melty
• Cooked bacon: Adds smoke salt and crunch Cook until crisp and drain well
• Avocado: Brings creaminess Make sure it is ripe but still sliceable

Dressing

• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: The creamy body of the dressing Use whichever you prefer
• Mayo: Lends richness and classic ranch texture
• Pickled jalapenos: Adds tang and gentle heat Adjust for your spice preference
• Fresh cilantro Fresh basil and fresh dill: Brighten the dressing with herbaceous notes
• Garlic powder: An easy flavor boost Use fresh garlic if you want extra bite
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Season to taste Use freshly cracked pepper for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Buffalo Sauce:

In a medium bowl blend together the buffalo sauce and the honey Stir until smooth so the honey is fully dissolved Use a fork or a small whisk to make sure it is even

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl toss the chicken cubes with the olive oil seasoned salt and a generous pinch of black pepper Add one quarter cup of the honey buffalo sauce Mix thoroughly so every piece is coated Thread the pieces onto wooden or metal skewers pressing the meat close together for juicy grilling

Grill the Chicken Skewers:

Preheat your grill grill pan or skillet to medium high heat Arrange the skewers in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about three minutes to get good grill marks Use tongs to turn the skewers every few minutes Cook a total of ten to twelve minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred at the edges Brush with extra buffalo sauce during the last two minutes if you like more flavor

Make the Herb Dressing:

Meanwhile add the sour cream or Greek yogurt mayo pickled jalapenos fresh cilantro basil dill garlic powder salt and pepper to a blender or food processor Blend on high until creamy and flecked with herbs Taste and add more salt or herbs if desired The dressing should be pourable and very smooth

Assemble the Salad Base:

In a large salad bowl toss together the shredded lettuce chopped cilantro cherry tomatoes grilled corn and peperoncini Pour in half of the herb dressing and toss gently so every piece is coated but still crisp

Finish with Toppings:

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on top of the salad Add the crumbled cheese cooked bacon pieces and chopped avocado Drizzle more dressing and extra honey buffalo sauce as desired Serve immediately so the salad is vibrant fresh and the chicken is warm

Pin

The sweet local honey I use in this salad was gifted by a neighbor during a summer corn harvest and it always reminds me of that hot sunny afternoon making the salad with friends We all agreed that the blue cheese and spicy chicken combination was dinner party magic

Storage Tips

Store the chicken skewers and salad components separately in airtight containers for up to three days The dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to a week If making ahead keep the avocado whole and dice right before serving to avoid browning Leftover assembled salad is still great the next day just a bit softer

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap blue cheese for goat cheese feta or even cubes of sharp cheddar Use ranch or plain vinaigrette if you want less heat Try grilled shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version If fresh grilled corn is not available canned corn works in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad platter style for a build your own station at parties It is hearty enough to be the main dish but pairs well with grilled bread or watermelon slices If you are making it for kids keep the dressing on the side for dipping

Buffalo Chicken Salad in History

Buffalo chicken has roots in classic bar food but this salad brings summer freshness and a healthy spin Inspired by family cookouts and my love of big colorful platters it turns Buffalo wings into a meal you can enjoy any weeknight or impress guests with at a backyard barbecue

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you prevent chicken from drying out when grilling skewers?

Marinate the chicken beforehand and avoid overcooking. Grill over medium-high heat and turn skewers frequently for even cooking.

→ Can the salad be prepared ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients in advance and grill the chicken just before serving. Assemble the salad right before eating for best texture.

→ What cheese works best for this salad?

Both crumbled blue cheese and cubed cheddar complement the bold flavors. You can use either depending on preference.

→ What are good substitutes for buffalo sauce?

Use your favorite hot sauce or a mild wing sauce if you prefer less heat. Adjust honey for extra sweetness if needed.

→ Is there a creamy dressing alternative?

Greek yogurt works as a lighter option instead of sour cream, still resulting in a rich, creamy dressing.

→ Can the skewers be cooked without a grill?

Yes, a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat works well. Turn frequently to char all sides evenly.