Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch

Name: Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken tenderloins; Almond flour; Tapioca flour; Hot sauce (like Frank’s); Ghee; Romaine lettuce; Avocado; Cilantro

Published: June 25, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy ranch creates an irresistible bite.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Filled with vegetables, healthy fats, and protein, this salad supports your dietary goals.
Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large serving bowl
Small shallow bowls
Whisk
Large skillet (non-stick preferred)
Tongs
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Large serving bowl: Ideal for mixing and serving your salad without making a mess.
Skillet: A good non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking.

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 Crispy 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 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 avoid browning. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Breading

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 in Skillet

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: Bread and Fry Chicken Tenderloins

Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture first. Then coat with the dry mixture before placing it in the skillet. Repeat for all pieces.
Cook one side until golden brown for about 3 minutes. Adjust heat if necessary. Carefully turn using tongs so as not to lose any breading.

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 Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

Remove chicken from skillet onto a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. Whisk together hot sauce and melted ghee in a bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into this sauce until well coated.

Step 8: Serve Your Salad

Cut chicken into pieces if desired; arrange over salad. Drizzle any leftover buffalo sauce on top. Add sliced avocado around the chicken portion of your salad. Serve immediately with cilantro ranch dressing on top or on the side.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy buffalo chicken salad!

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

Serving your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is easy and versatile. This salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

On a Bed of Greens

Use a mix of fresh greens like romaine and spinach for a nutrient-packed base.
Add extra crunch with shredded cabbage or kale.

In a Wrap

Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a fun, low-carb option.
Fill each wrap with salad and chicken for a portable meal.

With Extra Toppings

Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
Include sliced jalapeños or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.

As a Meal Prep Option

Prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store separately.
Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

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

Perfecting this salad ensures you enjoy every bite. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Use high-quality chicken: Fresh chicken tenderloins will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
Heat the oil properly: Ensure your cooking oil is hot enough before frying; this prevents the breading from falling off.
Make it spicier: Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to suit your taste; add more if you prefer an extra kick.
Prep avocado last: Slice the avocado just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and freshness.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad enhances the meal experience. Consider these delicious options:

Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds flavor and nutrition.
Cauliflower Rice: This light and fluffy base makes for a fantastic low-carb companion.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the spicy salad.
Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, zucchini noodles are great for those looking for extra veggies.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a hearty side.
Pickled Veggies: A tangy touch that complements the richness of the buffalo chicken nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavor. Consider letting it soak in the hot sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking for a richer taste.
Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many chicken pieces at once, they won’t fry evenly. Fry in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy and golden brown.
Using Cold Oil: Starting with cold oil can cause the breading to fall off. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding chicken to get that perfect crispiness.
Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after frying may let all the juices escape. Allow it to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before slicing.
Forgetting About Avocado: Slicing avocado too early can lead to browning. Always slice it right before serving for freshness and visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days for best freshness.

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

This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its fresh ingredients.
You may freeze cooked chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

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

Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat chicken on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, reheat chicken pieces until warm, usually about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} healthy?

This salad is packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein while being free from grains and refined sugars, making it compliant with Paleo and Whole30 diets.

Can I customize my Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, or substitute different proteins like shrimp or tofu as per your preference.

How do I make this salad dairy-free?

The recipe is already dairy-free as it uses ghee instead of butter. For the ranch dressing, use homemade mayo made without dairy ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble them when ready to eat. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

Yes, if you prefer convenience, feel free to use store-bought ranch dressing that aligns with your dietary needs, but homemade adds extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

The Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Cilantro Ranch is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options to customize ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavor-packed salad that everyone will love!

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