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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain and the meat is evenly separated.
- Dice crisp celery and green onions into uniform, small pieces to provide a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavor to the salad.
- Incorporate the shredded chicken into the prepared dressing, coating each morsel thoroughly to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Add the chopped celery and green onions to the chicken mixture, stirring carefully to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- For additional texture and depth, fold in sliced almonds, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
- 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