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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Chicken Processing: Methodically shred rotisserie chicken into delicate, uniform pieces, ensuring no substantial chunks disrupt the salad’s texture.
- Vegetable Preparation: Finely dice celery and green onions to introduce crisp, vibrant elements that complement the chicken’s richness.
- Flavor Infusion: Fold shredded chicken into the prepared dressing, thoroughly coating each piece to maximize flavor absorption and create a cohesive mixture.
- Ingredient Incorporation: Gently blend chopped celery, green onions, and sliced almonds into the chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution and textural complexity.
- Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the salad for 30-60 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a more nuanced taste profile.
- 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