This salad is perfect for warm days! It features juicy rotisserie chicken mixed with fresh veggies, crisp lettuce, and a light dressing. Quick, tasty, and super refreshing!
I love how easy it is to throw this together. Just shred the chicken, toss in your favorite veggies, and you’re all set! A perfect meal for when it’s hot outside! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds flavor. You can use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if rotisserie isn’t available. It’s all about convenience!
Mixed Salad Greens: I recommend a mix of spinach and arugula for a peppery taste. If you prefer, use kale or romaine as substitutes for a different texture.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess. If you need a substitute, try using a bit of hummus or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy effect.
Pickled Red Onions: They bring tanginess to the salad. If these are not available, try using diced red bell peppers or sliced radishes for crunch and color.
Grilled Corn: While grilled corn is fantastic, canned or frozen corn works too. Just sauté it to add some flavor back into it before tossing.
How Can You Make Your Salad Extra Flavorful?
The dressing plays a key role in tying all the flavors together. For the best results, balance the vinegar and sweetness. Here are some tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice if you want a brighter flavor instead of balsamic.
- Experiment with adding herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before using so the flavors meld.
Also, when assembling, don’t toss everything together until just before serving. This keeps the ingredients fresh and the textures varied!
Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped or shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and baby lettuce)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup grilled corn kernels (fresh or frozen, grilled until slightly charred)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy option for a light lunch or dinner, perfect for those sunny summer days when you want something fresh and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by taking a large salad bowl and arranging the mixed salad greens evenly on the bottom. This will be the foundation of your colorful salad.
2. Add the Toppings:
Now, on top of the greens, carefully arrange the rotisserie chicken, sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, pickled red onions, grilled corn, sliced almonds, and chopped dates in sections. This not only looks beautiful but allows everyone to enjoy their favorite flavors!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until everything is well blended. This dressing is going to tie all these flavors together nicely!
4. Dress the Salad:
Next, drizzle the freshly made dressing evenly over the salad. You can always add a bit more if you like things extra saucy!
5. Season:
Give a final sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper over the top as desired to enhance all the flavors.
6. Serve:
Now, it’s time to enjoy! You can choose to toss everything gently to combine or serve it as it is, keeping the beautiful sections. Either way, dig in and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of your Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad!
This salad is a perfect mix of creamy avocado, sweet dates, tangy pickled onions, smoky grilled corn, and hearty rotisserie chicken—a fantastic, flavorful meal that you can whip up in no time!
FAQ for Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days, but keep the dressing separate if possible, to avoid soggy greens.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients (except the dressing) in advance. Store them separately until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness. Just add the dressing right before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Pickled Red Onions?
If you don’t have pickled red onions on hand, you can substitute them with diced red bell peppers for a sweet crunch or sliced radishes for a bit of peppery flavor.
