Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch

This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} is a delightful dish that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your meal plan on track. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this salad features crispy pan-fried chicken tenders tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce. It’s loaded with fresh greens, vibrant vegetables, and topped with a creamy cilantro ranch dressing that brings everything together. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be made in just about 25 minutes.
• Flavorful & Zesty: The combination of buffalo sauce and cilantro ranch dressing creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your salad with any of your favorite veggies or add extra toppings to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time! The components can be stored separately in the fridge for quick assembly later.
• Diet-Friendly: This salad fits perfectly into Paleo, Whole30, and Keto diets without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking while frying.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for efficient preparation of the chicken coating and dressing without cross-contamination.

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 the Buffalo Sauce

• 1/3 cup Franks original hot sauce
• 1/4 cup ghee (melted)

For the 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 you are ready to serve.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large serving bowl, arrange the salad ingredients except for the avocado. Slice the avocado right before serving to prevent browning. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Whisk the egg in a small shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add coconut oil or avocado oil for frying once it’s sizzling hot.

Step 5: Coat and Fry Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked egg, shaking off any excess. Then coat with the dry mixture before placing it in the hot skillet. Repeat for all pieces.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden Brown

Cook one side until golden brown (about 3 minutes), adjusting heat as necessary. Carefully turn using tongs to keep breading intact. Cook for another 6 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 7: Coat Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

Remove chicken from skillet onto a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce and melted ghee. Dip each piece of chicken into this sauce to coat.

Step 8: Serve Your Salad

Cut chicken into pieces if desired and arrange on top of your salad. Drizzle any leftover buffalo sauce over everything. Finally, place avocado around the chicken and serve immediately with cilantro ranch dressing. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a dinner party, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

As a Main Course

• On a bed of greens: Serve the chicken salad directly on a bed of chopped romaine or mixed greens for a refreshing main dish.
• In lettuce wraps: Use large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves to create low-carb wraps filled with this zesty salad.

Meal Prep Options

• Mason jar salads: Layer the ingredients in mason jars for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Start with the dressing at the bottom and add layers of veggies and chicken.
• Individual servings: Pack individual portions in airtight containers for hassle-free lunches that are easy to transport.

Garnish Ideas

• Extra cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for added flavor and freshness.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, garnish with thinly sliced jalapeños.

How to Perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

To ensure your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality oil: Choose coconut or avocado oil for frying; they have higher smoke points and enhance the flavor.
• Ensure oil is hot: Make sure the oil is hot before adding chicken. This prevents the breading from falling off and gives that perfect crispiness.
• Prep ingredients ahead: Chop all veggies beforehand. This makes assembly quick and keeps your meal prep efficient.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning in both the chicken and dressing to suit your taste preferences for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

Pairing side dishes with your salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad beautifully.

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring a delicious sweetness that balances the spiciness of the salad. Roast them with olive oil and spices until crispy.
2. Cauliflower Rice: A light and fluffy alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is low-carb and pairs well with any protein dish.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and nutrition. Drizzle with lemon juice for extra zest.
4. Grilled Asparagus: The smoky flavor from grilling asparagus enhances the overall meal experience. Just grill until tender and season.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini serves as a fresh base; add olive oil and garlic for simple seasoning.
6. Pickled Vegetables: A tangy side like pickled radishes or cucumbers provides acidity that complements rich flavors in your salad.

Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions and sides to make your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad truly unforgettable!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect your dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cooling step: After frying the chicken, allow it to cool on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps keep the breading crispy and prevents sogginess.
• Using cold oil for frying: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Cold oil can cause the breading to fall off and result in greasy chicken.
• Not slicing avocado at the right time: To prevent browning, slice your avocado just before serving. This keeps it fresh and visually appealing in your salad.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on cooking times to ensure your chicken remains juicy. Overcooked chicken can become dry and less enjoyable.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste is different. Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings in both the chicken coating and ranch dressing to suit your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best freshness.

Freezing Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

• While it’s best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken separately from the salad.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, vegetables should not be frozen as they lose texture.

Reheating Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through. Be cautious as this may make the breading less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and warm the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all ingredients ahead of time but wait to dress the salad until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.

What makes this recipe Paleo, Whole30, and Keto friendly?

The recipe uses compliant ingredients like almond flour, ghee, and fresh vegetables that fit within these dietary guidelines while providing delicious flavors.

How do I customize my Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad?

Feel free to add any additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers based on your preference or dietary needs!

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

While homemade cilantro ranch is recommended for flavor and compliance, you can opt for store-bought versions that meet Paleo or Whole30 standards if you’re short on time.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is easy to prepare in advance and makes great leftovers when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress! Give it a try today!