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

This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends. The crispy chicken tenders, tossed in a simple buffalo sauce, complement the fresh greens and creamy cilantro ranch dressing, making it an addicting dish that’s simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and zesty buffalo sauce creates an irresistible taste that keeps you coming back for more.
• Nutrient-Dense: This salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and protein, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Versatile: Whether you’re following a Paleo, Whole30, or Keto diet, this salad fits perfectly into your lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large serving bowl
• Small bowls for mixing
• Whisk
• Large skillet (preferably non-stick)
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large serving bowl: Perfect for mixing all your salad ingredients together without creating a mess.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken while frying and serving the salad without damaging delicate greens.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 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)
• 1 lb chicken tenderloins

For the Breading

• 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

For Frying

• 1/4 cup coconut oil or avocado oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

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

For the Cilantro Ranch Dressing

• Additional cilantro (for garnish)
• 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)

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. Slice the avocado right before serving to prevent browning. 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, add the almond flour, tapioca flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Heat Oil

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add your chosen oil for frying.

Step 5: Coat Chicken Tenders

Once sizzling hot:
– Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, shaking off excess.
– Coat with dry mixture and place in the skillet. Repeat until all pieces are coated.

Step 6: Fry Chicken

Cook on one side until golden brown (about 3 minutes). Adjust heat if necessary. Carefully turn using tongs to avoid losing breading.

Step 7: Finish Cooking Chicken

Cook on the second side until golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside (about 6 minutes total depending on thickness).

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Remove chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and allow cooling slightly.

Step 9: Prepare Buffalo Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together hot sauce and melted ghee. Dip each piece of chicken in this sauce to coat.

Step 10: Serve Your Salad

Cut chicken into pieces if desired. Arrange on top of your salad base along with avocado slices. Drizzle any leftover sauce over everything. Serve right away with cilantro ranch dressing. Enjoy!

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

Serving your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is all about enhancing the flavors and presentation. Here are some delicious suggestions to elevate your salad experience.

Add Extra Crunch

• Nuts or Seeds: Toss in some toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Croutons: If you’re not strictly Paleo, homemade croutons can add a delightful crunch.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Apples: Thinly sliced apples provide a sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
• Berries: A handful of fresh berries can brighten up the salad and add a pop of color.

Serve with Grains

• Quinoa: Cooked quinoa can be served alongside or mixed in for extra protein and fiber.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve your salad over cauliflower rice for added volume without the carbs.

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

Perfecting your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch involves attention to detail. Here are some essential tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Heat Oil Properly: Make sure your frying oil is hot enough; this prevents the breading from falling off and ensures a crispy texture.
• Slice Avocado Last: To keep it from browning, slice avocado just before serving.
• Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce according to your heat preference; you can even add honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

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

Complementing your salad with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Roasted Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers roasted in olive oil add flavor and nutrients.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with spicy buffalo chicken.
3. Coleslaw: A simple vinegar-based coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch that complements the salad.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances out the spicy flavors of the salad.
5. Pickles: Tangy pickles enhance the flavors and add an extra crunch to each bite.
6. Deviled Eggs: These protein-packed snacks are easy to prepare ahead of time and make a great addition to any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you coat the chicken with spices before frying.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy breading. Fry in batches for that perfect crispiness.
• Not letting the dressing chill: If you skip chilling the dressing, it may not blend well and could taste flat. Allow time for flavors to meld in the fridge before serving.
• Using ripe avocados too soon: Slicing avocado too early can lead to browning. Cut it right before serving for a fresh look and taste.
• Ignoring cooking times: Overcooking the chicken will make it dry. Keep an eye on your cooking times and check for doneness to ensure juicy tenders.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

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

• You can freeze cooked chicken (without salad ingredients) for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm; be cautious as this may soften the texture.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat while stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can prep components like the chicken and dressing in advance. Just keep them stored separately until you’re ready to assemble and serve.

What makes this salad Paleo and Whole30 compliant?

This salad uses whole food ingredients without grains, dairy, or processed sugars, aligning perfectly with Paleo and Whole30 guidelines.

How do I customize my Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}?

Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers. You can also swap out proteins or use different dressings based on preference.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is ideal for meal prep since you can store components separately for quick assembly throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any meal. Its balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings! Try it today and enjoy a healthy yet satisfying meal!

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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is a flavor-packed, nutrient-dense dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This vibrant salad features golden, crispy chicken tenders tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, served atop a bed of fresh greens and paired with a creamy cilantro ranch dressing. Ideal for those on Paleo, Whole30, or Keto diets, this salad brings together fresh vegetables and healthy fats while remaining simple to prepare. With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, this meal is quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your family and friends craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 3 cups chopped romaine
• 3 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• 1/3 cup Frank’s original hot sauce
• 1/2 cup homemade mayo or paleo mayo

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Instructions

1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl; refrigerate.
2. In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients except avocado; cover.
3. Coat chicken tenders in whisked egg then in the combined dry mix.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; fry coated chicken until golden brown on both sides.
5. Toss fried chicken in buffalo sauce; slice if desired.
6. Assemble salad by layering salad base with chicken and avocado; drizzle with dressing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 115mg