Zingy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe for Bright Summer Meals

Ready to whip up a mouthwatering rotisserie chicken salad that’ll become your new favorite go-to meal?

Crisp vegetables and tender shredded meat create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Weekend meal prep just got way more exciting with this simple yet delicious combination.

Convenience meets culinary creativity in this quick and satisfying dish.

Fresh herbs and a zesty dressing elevate every single bite to something extraordinary.

Packed with protein and bursting with vibrant ingredients, this salad promises to be a total game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.

You’ll want to keep this recipe on speed dial for those moments when hunger strikes and time is short.

What Goes Well with Chicken Salad Meals

• Pair the tangy Dijon mustard and bright lemon juice with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the salad's vibrant citrus notes.
• Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or herbed focaccia to add delightful crunch and soak up the rich, creamy dressing.
• Add a light arugula side salad with shaved Parmesan to cut through the chicken's richness and provide a peppery contrast.
• Choose a sparkling water with cucumber or mint to cleanse the palate and offer a refreshing counterpoint to the salad's robust flavors.

Unique Twists on Chicken Salad to Try

• Herb-Infused Chicken Salad: Replace garlic and onion powder with fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, and parsley for a bright, garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Greek-Style Lite Version: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add tangy protein, incorporating cucumber and mint for Mediterranean flair.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use vegan mayonnaise or mashed avocado as a creamy base for those with dairy restrictions, adding nutritional yeast for extra richness.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Serve salad over mixed greens instead of bread, using extra virgin olive oil and adding chopped almonds for crunch and healthy fats.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt makes an excellent low-fat alternative that provides similar creaminess and tanginess to the dressing.

• How long can I keep this chicken salad in the refrigerator?

The chicken salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This rotisserie chicken salad is perfect for meal prep and can be easily packed for lunch or quick meals throughout the week.

• What are the best ways to add more protein to this salad?

You can boost protein by adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of sunflower seeds to increase the nutritional value.

Why Rotisserie Chicken Salad Hits the Spot

• Repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken into a delicious salad with minimal preparation time and effort.
• Uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, eliminating the need for cooking and saving precious minutes during busy weekdays.
• Tangy Dijon mustard and zesty lemon juice combine with creamy mayonnaise to create a vibrant, mouth-watering dressing that elevates the simple chicken salad.
• Easily adaptable for lunch, picnics, sandwiches, or as a light dinner option that suits different dietary preferences and occasions.

Ingredients for Classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad and adds rich, smooth texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy, sharp flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that adds freshness and balances the richness.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that brings out the other ingredients' taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle warmth to the salad.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a deep, aromatic background note without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle, sweet onion flavor without chopping fresh onions.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked, tender meat that saves preparation time and offers consistent flavor. Best when still warm and freshly shredded.

How to Make a Simple Chicken Salad Meal

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken, discarding skin and bones. Tear or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Blend all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix Chicken and Dressing

Add the shredded chicken to the dressing. Gently fold and stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Elements

• Diced celery
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced almonds

Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Sample the chicken salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance flavor.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Tips to Keep Rotisserie Chicken Salad Fresh

• Shred Wisely: Pull chicken meat apart using two forks for consistent, tender pieces that blend perfectly with dressing.
• Control Moisture Balance: Add mayonnaise gradually to prevent salad from becoming too wet or runny, ensuring ideal creamy texture.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Incorporate fresh herbs like chopped chives or dill to elevate the traditional chicken salad profile with bright, aromatic notes.
• Customize Crunch Factor: Mix in toasted almonds, celery, or diced apples for delightful textural contrast and added nutritional value.
• Make Ahead Strategically: Prepare salad 1-2 hours before serving and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper taste complexity.

Best Ways to Store Chicken Salad for Later

• Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it cool and sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salad before closing the container to minimize moisture and keep ingredients from separating.
• Do not freeze this salad, as mayonnaise-based recipes tend to break down and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Always serve chicken salad cold straight from the refrigerator for the best flavor and food safety. Discard if any unusual odor or appearance develops.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy rotisserie chicken salad blends tender poultry with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing, creating a quick lunch delight. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and fresh herbs elevate this classic dish, offering you a satisfying meal packed with flavor and nutrition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups (710 ml) rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder

Additional Mix-ins:

• ½ cup (120 ml) celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) red grapes, halved (or dried cranberries)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) almonds or pecans, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Create a tangy dressing by vigorously whisking mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Gently shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain and the meat is evenly separated.
3. Dice crisp celery and green onions into uniform, small pieces to provide a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavor to the salad.
4. Incorporate the shredded chicken into the prepared dressing, coating each morsel thoroughly to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Add the chopped celery and green onions to the chicken mixture, stirring carefully to distribute the ingredients evenly.
6. For additional texture and depth, fold in sliced almonds, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the creamy chicken mixture.
7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
9. Serve chilled on a bed of fresh lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a standalone dish for a delightful and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version with fewer calories and added tanginess.
• Customize the salad by adding diced apples, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Prepare the chicken salad ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
• For a low-carb option, serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps or over a bed of mixed greens instead of traditional bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg