Description
Rotisserie chicken salad is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines cooked rotisserie chicken with vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheese, all tossed together in a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for a variety of occasions, including lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for a larger meal. The beauty of rotisserie chicken salad lies in its ease of preparation, its adaptability to various tastes, and its use of ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken, which cuts down on cooking time.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken (shredded or diced)
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1 cup celery, finely chopped
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1 cup red grapes or apples, sliced
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
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1/4 cup toasted nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, or pecans) – optional for crunch
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1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
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1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo if you prefer)
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by removing the skin from the rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces. The beauty of using rotisserie chicken is that it’s already cooked and seasoned, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Next, chop the celery, red onion, and fruit (grapes or apples). If you’re using any optional ingredients such as nuts or cheese, go ahead and prepare them as well. Be sure to slice the grapes or apples thinly for a balanced texture throughout the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and honey (or maple syrup). Add salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy with a hint of tanginess from the vinegar or lemon juice.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, fruit, and any optional ingredients like nuts and cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is well-coated and evenly mixed.
While you can enjoy the salad immediately, refrigerating it for about 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. Serve the salad on a bed of greens, as a sandwich filling, or in a wrap for a complete meal.
Notes
This Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Feel free to add extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for crunch, or swap the dressing for a creamy avocado dressing for a twist. You can also add some nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. It’s a great option for meal prep, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Enjoy this refreshing, protein-packed salad anytime!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe