This Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a quick and tasty dish perfect for warm days! It features juicy rotisserie chicken, fresh greens, and crunchy veggies.
It’s so easy to throw together, I often make it after picking up a chicken from the store. Plus, with all that color, it feels like a party on your plate! 🥗
I love pairing it with a light dressing and some crusty bread. It’s healthy, filling, and has all the good vibes of summer in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is a super convenient choice! You can easily use leftover grilled chicken or any cooked chicken you have. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Mixed Greens: Spinach, arugula, or baby kale are great options. If you’re not a fan, any leafy green like romaine or even a packaged salad mix works fine!
Corn: Grilling or roasting fresh corn gives the best flavor, but if corn on the cob isn’t available, canned or frozen corn can be used. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned corn.
Avocado: For creamy texture and flavor, ripe avocados are perfect. If you’ve run out, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt can provide creaminess without the fat.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty kick. You can replace it with goat cheese or even omit it for a vegan option. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor!
How Do I Make the Perfect Salad Dressing?
Making a simple dressing is easy and really boosts your salad! For this recipe, using olive oil and balsamic vinegar gives a nice, light taste. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Start with a small amount, then adjust to taste.
- Whisk everything together until the dressing is combined and emulsified—it should look slightly thick.
This quick dressing can be adjusted. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar! If you prefer a smoother taste, a teaspoon of honey can balance the flavors.
How to Make Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or baby kale)
- 1 cup corn, grilled or roasted, cut off the cob
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. Most of the time is in gathering and chopping the ingredients, making it quick and perfect for a summer meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, slice the ripe avocado and halve the cherry tomatoes. If you haven’t already cooked your corn, grill or roast it until it’s golden brown. Let it cool before adding to the salad.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients: the mixed greens, shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled corn, sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and pickled red onions. This creates a beautiful colorful base for your salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing will add a tasty zing to your salad, so mix it well until it is combined.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure that each ingredient is coated with the dressing.
5. Add the Toppings:
Finally, to finish off your salad, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a nice crunch and a creamy flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your refreshing Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately for a delightful, healthy meal.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or baked chicken can be used in place of rotisserie chicken. Make sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the salad. Just add the same amount—2 cups shredded—and enjoy your salad!
What Can I Substitute for Pickled Red Onions?
If you don’t have pickled red onions on hand, you can use thinly sliced red onions and let them marinate for about 10 minutes in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and water. Alternatively, a sprinkle of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can add a nice tang!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the salad dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess. Just add the dressing right before serving for the best freshness!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad with other vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the mix for extra crunch and nutrition!
