Zesty Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe For Summer Lunches

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this zesty rotisserie chicken salad hits all the right notes.

Packed with vibrant flavors and tender rotisserie chicken, the recipe delivers a quick and delicious meal.

Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables dance together, creating a light yet satisfying dish.

Crunchy almonds add unexpected texture to this salad that comes together in mere minutes.

The creamy dressing perfectly complements the succulent chicken, making each bite a delightful experience.

We combine simple ingredients to craft a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Dive into this mouthwatering salad that promises to become a new dinner favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Rotisserie Chicken Salad

• Mayonnaise: Smooth, rich base that binds the salad with silky texture and adds luxurious creaminess.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that provides tangy depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty ingredient that adds freshness and helps balance the richness.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that awakens all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Savory, aromatic spice that introduces deep, rounded flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Mild, sweet seasoning that contributes subtle background notes and depth.

Tools That Make Shredding and Mixing a Breeze

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing components without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping herbs and chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Great for precise chicken and vegetable cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and dressing components.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures correct proportions of ingredients.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Salad That’s Far From Basic

• Prepare Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and creamy.

• Shred Chicken

Using two forks, gently pull apart the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces, discarding any skin or bones.

• Chop Fresh Ingredients

Dice crisp celery and green onions into small, uniform pieces to add a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to the salad.

• Combine Components

Add shredded chicken to the prepared dressing, then fold in chopped celery and green onions, ensuring every morsel is evenly coated with the zesty mixture.

• Enhance Texture

Mix in sliced almonds or chopped pecans to introduce a satisfying nutty crunch that elevates the salad’s overall texture and taste.

• Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled on a bed of fresh greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a delicious meal.

Add Grapes, Almonds, or Pickles for a Twist

• Flavor Boost: Add chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley to enhance the salad's taste and provide extra freshness.
• Texture Trick: For extra crunch, mix in diced celery, sliced almonds, or chopped water chestnuts before serving.
• Protein Swap: Replace rotisserie chicken with grilled turkey, canned tuna, or cooked shrimp for different protein options.
• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and add a tangy flavor while keeping the creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken salad over mixed greens or in lettuce wraps instead of traditional bread for a carb-conscious meal.

Serve in Wraps, on Bread, or Lettuce Cups

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Serve this zesty chicken salad on a platter with crisp lettuce leaves, allowing guests to create their own wraps or scoops.
• Sandwich Sensation: Spread the salad between toasted sourdough or whole wheat bread, adding fresh arugula or spinach for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Elegant Appetizer Bites: Spoon the salad into mini phyllo cups or on top of cucumber rounds for a sophisticated, bite-sized party appetizer that will impress guests.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Bowl: Place the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens, quinoa, or brown rice, garnishing with sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for added texture and protein.

Store Chicken Salad for Lunch All Week

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store this chicken salad in an airtight container, keeping it chilled in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 3-4 days.
• Smart Portioning Technique: Separate salad into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks.
• Temperature Safety Tip: Always keep chicken salad below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal food safety standards.
• Freezing Recommendation: While fresh is best, you can freeze this salad for up to 2 weeks – just expect slight texture changes upon thawing, so remix thoroughly before serving.

Tangy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Refreshing rotisserie chicken salad offers a delightful blend of tender meat and crisp vegetables. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a light, satisfying meal perfect for summer gatherings. Diners will savor each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ½ cup (120 ml) celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) red grapes, halved (or dried cranberries)
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
• ¼ cup (60 ml) almonds or pecans, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Chicken Processing: Methodically shred rotisserie chicken into delicate, uniform pieces, ensuring no substantial chunks disrupt the salad’s texture.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Finely dice celery and green onions to introduce crisp, vibrant elements that complement the chicken’s richness.
4. Flavor Infusion: Fold shredded chicken into the prepared dressing, thoroughly coating each piece to maximize flavor absorption and create a cohesive mixture.
5. Ingredient Incorporation: Gently blend chopped celery, green onions, and sliced almonds into the chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution and textural complexity.
6. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the salad for 30-60 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a more nuanced taste profile.
7. Final Preparation: Stir the chilled salad, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed before presenting on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or as an independent dish.

Notes

• Prevent Dressing Separation: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a stable, smooth emulsion that coats chicken evenly without breaking.
• Chicken Shredding Technique: Use two forks or hands to shred rotisserie chicken into consistent, bite-sized pieces for optimal texture and even flavor distribution.
• Chill for Flavor Enhancement: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg