This Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a refreshing mix of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for sunny days when you want something light and tasty!
I love how easy it is to make. Just grab a rotisserie chicken, toss in your favorite greens and veggies, and you’re all set! It’s like a party in a bowl! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the backbone of your salad, providing flavor and protein. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
Mixed Greens: I love using a mix of spinach and arugula for their freshness. If you prefer, any leafy greens like kale or romaine work great too, depending on your taste.
Corn: Grilled or roasted corn adds sweetness to the dish. If fresh corn isn’t available, canned or frozen corn can be used—just drain or cook it before adding to the salad.
Avocado: Creamy avocado elevates the salad. If you’re not a fan or if they aren’t ripe, try using a chopped cucumber for a refreshing crunch instead.
Feta Cheese: This crumbly cheese gives a tangy flavor. If you’re not a feta lover, goat cheese or even parmesan can work as substitutes.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together. Here’s how to make it smoothly:
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper together until well combined. This helps dissolve the honey.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the sweetness with more honey or tweak the acidity with extra vinegar if needed.
- Be sure to drizzle it over the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp!
How to Make Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 cup corn, grilled or roasted
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. If you prefer it chilled, allow an extra 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for those warm days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, mixed greens, corn, sliced avocado, sliced almonds, pickled red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Gently toss all these lovely ingredients together to get an even mix.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will add flavor and bring everything together in your salad.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently to combine, making sure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mush the avocado while mixing!
4. Serve it Up:
Divide the salad into serving bowls. You can serve it immediately for a fresh experience, or chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes for a super refreshing cold salad on a hot day.
5. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your delicious Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad, whether as a light meal or a delightful side dish! It’s colorful, nutritious, and bound to be a hit.
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even turkey as a substitute for rotisserie chicken. Just make sure whatever chicken you use is shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If you don’t have an avocado on hand or prefer not to use it, try using diced cucumber or a handful of sliced bell peppers for crunch and freshness. You can also add a spoonful of hummus for creaminess!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toss the salad and drizzle on the dressing!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken, vegetables, and dressing a day in advance. Just keep them stored separately in the fridge. Combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
