Buffalo Cauliflower and Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A spicy buffalo chicken and roasted cauliflower salad drizzled with a creamy avocado dressing, perfect for a Whole30 lunch or dinner. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 40 minutes blends medium, about 1 lb chicken breast, cauliflower florets, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 3 cups cauliflower florets with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until edges are golden and tender.
  2. Step 2: While cauliflower roasts, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season 2 medium chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let rest 5 minutes and slice thinly.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, toss the roasted cauliflower with 1/4 cup Whole30-compliant buffalo sauce until coated.
  4. Step 4: For the dressing, blend 1 medium ripe avocado, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a blender until smooth.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce, buffalo cauliflower, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with avocado dressing and toss lightly before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffalo Cauliflower and Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Buffalo Cauliflower and Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buffalo Cauliflower and Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buffalo Cauliflower and Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Buffalo Cauliflower and Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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