This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a quick and tasty meal! With tender, shredded chicken mixed with crunchy veggies and creamy dressing, it’s a perfect way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
You can enjoy this salad in a sandwich or on its own. I love making it for lunch—it’s so easy to whip up! Plus, who doesn’t love a short-cut that tastes homemade? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the salad! It’s fully cooked and super convenient. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can cook your own chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to season them well.
Celery: Celery adds great crunch. You can swap it for chopped apples or cucumbers for a sweeter or more refreshing twist. Carrots work too if you want a different crunch!
Red Onion: The sharp taste of red onion is perfect here! If you find it too strong, use green onions or shallots instead, which are milder.
Mayonnaise: I usually stick to classic mayonnaise, but you can use a lighter version or even avocado for a healthier spread. Vegan mayo is a great alternative for a plant-based option!
Greek Yogurt: Adding Greek yogurt helps make the dressing creamy without all the calories. You can skip it if you prefer or replace it with sour cream for a tangy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Flavorful?
To get a delicious chicken salad, use fresh ingredients and season it well. Make sure to mix and taste as you go! Here are some tips:
- Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it soak up the dressing better.
- Mix the dressing separately before combining it with the chicken and veggies. This ensures everything is coated evenly.
- Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to blend nicely.
- Taste before serving! Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pita chips or crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep. After mixing all the ingredients, allow at least 30 minutes for the salad to chill in the fridge. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from start to serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Chicken and Vegetables:
In a large bowl, add your shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken, diced celery, and red onion. Stir them together gently until everything is mixed evenly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will help bring all the flavors together!
3. Mix It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together gently, making sure every bite gets some dressing.
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it another light mix to combine the seasoning evenly. Your salad should taste fresh and flavorful.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and makes it super refreshing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve the chilled chicken salad with pita chips, crackers, or use it in a sandwich. It’s delicious and oh-so-easy to make!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken will work in this recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating. If you’re using leftover grilled or baked chicken, you might want to season it a bit more to boost flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply give it a quick stir before serving again, as the ingredients may settle or separate slightly while stored.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. For a dairy-free version, consider using a vegan mayonnaise or mashed avocado for a creamy texture without the eggs.
How Can I Add More Flavor to My Chicken Salad?
Great question! You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like chopped herbs (like dill or parsley), a squeeze of lime juice, or even diced apples for sweetness! You can also include nuts such as slivered almonds or pecans for an extra crunch.
