This Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is perfect for warm days! It’s quick to make with tasty rotisserie chicken mixed with crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs. Yum!
You can customize it with whatever crunchy veggies you have. I love adding cucumber and bell peppers for extra color. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy leftovers! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: Spring mix or baby spinach work wonderfully here! If you prefer, you could also use romaine or kale for a crunchier texture. Just make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time, but feel free to use leftover cooked chicken or even shredded turkey! For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or grilled tofu instead.
Grilled Corn: If you can’t find fresh corn, frozen corn kernels work well too; just thaw and sauté them. Canned corn is another quick option but use it sparingly as it tends to be sweeter.
Sliced Almonds: Any nuts will do! I personally love using walnuts or pecans for a richer flavor. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can be fun substitutes if you want to skip the nuts.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese can be used if you want to keep it lighter or vegan. They provide that creamy, tangy element just like feta.
How Do I Make Sure My Dressing is Just Right?
Making the dressing right is key to tying this salad together! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with olive oil – this is your base. Use good quality for the best flavor.
- Add vinegar gradually while whisking to help it emulsify. You can adjust the tanginess by varying the amount of vinegar!
- Sweeten it with honey or maple syrup slowly, tasting as you go until you get a nice balance with the acidity.
- Don’t forget salt and pepper! They are essential in bringing out all the flavors.
With these tips, your dressing will enhance the salad beautifully!
Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix or baby spinach)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup grilled corn kernels (charred on the grill or in a pan)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup chopped dates
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. It’s super quick and easy to throw together. Just chop, mix, and enjoy your delicious summer salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until everything is nicely blended and emulsified. Set this aside for now; it’ll be drizzled on the salad later.
2. Grill the Corn:
If you don’t have pre-grilled corn, you can cook the corn kernels in a hot pan or on the grill until they’re nicely charred—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Arrange the Greens:
Next, grab a large serving bowl and arrange the mixed salad greens in the bottom. This will be your beautiful base for the salad.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Now for the fun part! Neatly arrange the diced rotisserie chicken, grilled corn, sliced almonds, avocado slices, crumbled feta, pickled red onions, and chopped dates on top of the greens. Create sections with the ingredients for a colorful presentation!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the entire salad. This will bring all those lovely flavors together.
6. Season and Toss:
Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top. You can toss the salad gently if you’d like it mixed, or serve it as is for a beautiful, composed look.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This salad is best enjoyed immediately while it’s fresh. Dig in and savor the delightful blend of flavors!
This vibrant salad features smoky corn, sweet dates, creamy avocado, tangy pickled onions, and savory chicken—making it a perfect fresh summer meal!
FAQ for Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken, such as grilled or baked, will work perfectly in this salad. Just shred or dice it to match the size you’d get from a rotisserie chicken!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you want to replace feta, crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese can be good alternatives. They’ll add a nice creaminess and tang that complements the salad well!
How Should I Store Any Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for the best freshness!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep some components in advance, like chopping the vegetables and grilling the corn. However, it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to maintain the freshness and texture.
