This Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is fresh and tasty, perfect for warm days! It combines juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and a zingy dressing that ties everything together.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just grab that chicken from the store, toss in some colorful greens, and you’ve got a delightful meal in no time. Perfect for family picnics! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star ingredient! It adds flavor and protein. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them after grilling or baking. Sometimes I even use leftover grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is great, but canned or frozen corn works too if fresh isn’t available. Grilling corn adds a delicious char. I love using grilled corn in the summer for an extra tasty twist!
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess. If you’re short on them or need a substitute, you can use a dollop of Greek yogurt or a bit of hummus for a similar texture. Just remember that it will change the flavor slightly.
Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy crunch. If you can’t find them, you can make your own quickly by soaking thinly sliced onions in vinegar for about 30 minutes. Red onions or green onions add nice flavor too!
Feta Cheese: Feta brings saltiness and richness to the salad. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or skip it altogether for a lighter option.
How Can I Make the Dressing Stand Out?
The dressing ties all the ingredients together, so getting it right is key. It’s super easy to make! You want a nice balance of oil to acid, and the Dijon mustard adds depth. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- Add salt and pepper to taste; start with a pinch and adjust based on your preferences.
- Whisk until everything is well combined and creamy. A fork works great if you don’t have a whisk.
- Tip: Taste the dressing before pouring it on the salad. You can always add a bit more vinegar for tang or oil for richness if needed!
How to Make Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or grilled)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup mixed salad greens (like spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped dates
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You can enjoy it right away, or if you prefer to let the flavors mix, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add your mixed salad greens and the cooked rotisserie chicken to the bowl. This will be the base of your delicious salad, so make sure to mix them well.
2. Add the Colorful Ingredients:
Next, toss in the corn kernels, sliced avocado, pickled red onions, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries or chopped dates. These ingredients add amazing flavors and textures, making your salad vibrant and enjoyable!
3. Mix the Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely combined. This dressing will bring your salad to life!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, take the dressing you just made and drizzle it over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon, making sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve or Chill:
Your Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately, or for even better flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Rotisserie Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use grilled chicken breast, shredded turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that whatever protein you choose is cooked and shredded or diced for the best texture in the salad.
How to Store Leftovers Safely?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’re concerned about the avocado browning, you can store it separately and add it just before serving. To eat, simply toss or gently mix the ingredients again.
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn! Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the salad. You can thaw it quickly by running it under warm water in a sieve or letting it sit at room temperature for a bit. Pat it dry before mixing into the salad.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta, or even a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version. Just crumble or sprinkle it on top as you would with feta for that added creaminess!
