This Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a refreshing and easy dish that’s perfect for warm days. It features tender rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing—yum!
On hot days, I love whipping this up because it requires no cooking. Just toss everything together, and feel free to add your favorite nuts for a crunchy surprise. 🥗😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star ingredient, offering a delicious and convenient way to add protein. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken or even canned chicken for a faster option.
Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine for the variety in flavors and textures. You can substitute with any greens you have on hand, like kale or iceberg, depending on your preference.
Corn: Grilled or roasted corn adds a nice sweet crunch to the salad. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use canned or frozen corn—just be sure to drain and rinse if canned.
Avocado: Sliced avocado brings creaminess. If you’re looking for a substitute, try using diced mango for a similar texture and tropical flavor, although it will change the profile a bit.
Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy kick. If you don’t have them, sliced red onions soaked in vinegar for a few minutes can work. Alternatively, fresh green onions can be a milder option.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice salty flavor. If you need a dairy-free version, consider using crumbled tofu or a vegan feta product instead.
How Can I Make My Salad Dressing Flavorful?
Creating a tasty salad dressing is simple and really elevates your salad. For this recipe, we use lime juice and olive oil, which adds a refreshing zing.
- Start by squeezing fresh lime juice into a bowl. The fresh juice truly makes a difference!
- Add olive oil—extra virgin is the best for flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can always adjust these as you mix!
- Whisk well until combined. If you want to add a bit more flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.
Drizzle this over your salad just before serving for a delicious finish!
How to Make Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 cup corn, grilled or roasted
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for those warm summer days when you want something fresh and healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Shred the Chicken:
Start by taking the rotisserie chicken and shredding it into bite-sized pieces. You can use your hands or two forks to do this. Once done, set it aside on a plate.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumbers, corn, and sliced avocado. Toss them lightly to mix the flavors together.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now, add the shredded chicken on top of the salad greens. Make sure to distribute it evenly to make every bite flavorful!
4. Layer the Toppings:
Scatter the pickled red onions, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and either dried cranberries or raisins over the top of the salad. This will add texture and flavor to your salad.
5. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will be your zesty dressing.
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over your lovely salad and toss everything gently together. You want to coat all the ingredients without squishing them!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now that your salad is ready, serve it immediately and enjoy the vibrant and fresh flavors of this summer delight!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dressing Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought dressing if you’re short on time. Just make sure that it complements the flavors in the salad, like a citrus or vinaigrette-based dressing.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the chicken and feta cheese. To boost the protein, consider adding chickpeas or roasted tofu, and for creaminess, avocados or a vegan cheese alternative work well!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid sogginess. Leftovers are best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I Use Different Ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is versatile, so feel free to swap in ingredients you prefer. You can use any leafy greens, add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes, or change up the nuts and dried fruits as per your taste. Just ensure the flavors balance for a yummy dish!
