This Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a light and tasty dish that’s perfect for warm days! With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s satisfying yet healthy.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just shred the chicken and toss everything together. It’s like a little party in a bowl, and who doesn’t love that? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of your salad for convenience and flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, any cooked chicken works well, including leftover grilled or poached chicken. You can even use chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Mixed Greens: I love a combination of spinach, arugula, and romaine for texture and taste. If they aren’t available, any salad mix or even just romaine lettuce will work. Feel free to add kale or other leafy greens if you prefer!
Fresh Corn: Grilled corn adds a lovely smokiness. If fresh corn isn’t in season, canned corn is a good substitute – just make sure you drain it well. You can also use frozen corn; thaw it before adding to the salad.
Pickled Red Onions: They bring tanginess to the salad. You can use store-bought or easily make your own by soaking sliced onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt for about 30 minutes. Red onions also work well if pickling isn’t your thing.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice creaminess. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or blue cheese can substitute nicely. For a dairy-free option, consider tofu feta or leave out the cheese altogether.
How Do I Make a Delicious Dressing?
Creating a simple dressing is easier than you think, and it can make all the difference in flavor. Here’s how to whip up the balsamic vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. I recommend starting with about 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
- Whisk everything together until well combined. This emulsifies the oil and vinegar, making a smooth dressing.
- Feel free to add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra flavor or a bit of honey if you like a touch of sweetness.
Toss the dressing over your salad just before serving for the best texture—this keeps your greens crisp and fresh!
How to Make a Refreshing Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup fresh corn, grilled and cut off the cob (or canned corn, drained)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or chopped dates
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. If you prefer to let the flavors blend, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. A quick and delightful meal for any summer day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the mixed greens and shredded rotisserie chicken. This will be the hearty base of your salad, so make sure to mix them well to start blending those delicious flavors.
2. Add the Delicious Ingredients:
Next, throw in the grilled corn, sliced avocado, pickled red onions, toasted almonds, feta cheese, and dried cranberries or chopped dates. These ingredients will add a pop of color and flavor to your salad. Gently toss everything together to combine, being careful not to mush the avocado!
3. Whisk Up the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This dressing will bring all those wonderful salad ingredients together, so drizzle it over the salad mixture.
4. Toss and Serve:
With the dressing over your salad, gently toss everything again to make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated. You can serve the salad right away for a fresh crunch, or you can put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld a bit more. Enjoy your cool and colorful summer salad!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any pre-cooked or grilled chicken that you have on hand. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing with the salad. If using plain chicken, consider adding some extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Simple! Omit the rotisserie chicken and substitute with chickpeas or extra grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and protein. You can also increase the amount of feta cheese for a creamy element!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. This helps maintain the crispiness of the greens!
Can I Substitute the Balsamic Vinegar with Another Type?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar as alternatives! For a sweeter touch, try using honey or maple syrup in place of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
