Hot summer days equals light, healthy meals! The hubby wanted buffalo wings, and I wanted something lighter, but something that would hit the same bells and whistles! When I told him I’d be making my buffalo chicken salad, he was very happy. He LOVES this salad! You can always buy your own blue cheese dressing, but I like to make my own dressings from scratch because you can control the quality and quantity of ingredients. My husband does NOT like blue cheese dressing; the moldy cheese, it freaks him out! However, he does love feta cheese. So I make his “blue cheese” dressing into a “feta cheese” dressing. I still prefer blue cheese, so I divide the base mix into 2 bowls-one for me with blue cheese, and one for him with feta cheese. Feel free to make your own! Or you can always go out a buy  a bottle. They have great yogurt-based dressing in the produce section. Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips: kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, low carb

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 lb. of boneless, skinless chicken breast
• salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning (I have a garlic seasoning I like to use)
• 2 TBS Franks Red Hot Sauce
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 hearts of Romaine, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 4 scallions, sliced
• Blue cheese dressing (or feta cheese dressing)

Blue Cheese Dressing

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 TBS mayo
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
• 1 very small clove of garlic, grated
• 1/2 cup blue cheese or feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, mayo, buttermilk, salt, and garlic. Fold in cheese crumbles. Set aside in fridge.
2. In a large bowl combine the Romaine, celery, shredded carrots and scallions.
3. Sprinkle the chicken with seasoning of choice (or salt and pepper). Cook in  a skillet with a little olive oil over medium to medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side (depending on how thick the breasts are). Let chicken rest for a few minutes.
4. Make the sauce by mixing the Franks sauce and olive oil in a small bowl.
5. Slice chicken into bite-size pieces and toss with the sauce.
6. To assemble, gather 4 plates or bowls. Divide the salad mixture into four portions. Lay 1/4 of the chicken on top of each salad. Top with dressing, or serve on the side. Sprinkle a few more cheese crumbles on top.