Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a wonderfully simple and tasty dish that brings together tender, flavorful rotisserie chicken with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing. It’s the kind of salad that feels fresh and light but also satisfying thanks to the juicy chicken and mix-ins like celery, grapes, or nuts.
I love how easy this salad is to make, especially when you’re short on time but still want a meal that tastes like you put some effort into it. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken means you already have perfectly cooked chicken that adds great flavor without any extra work. I usually toss in whatever crunchy veggies or fruit I have on hand to keep it colorful and interesting.
This salad is great on its own, but I often serve it piled high on a bed of greens or stuffed inside a soft sandwich roll for a quick lunch. It’s one of those versatile dishes that’s perfect for picnics, packed lunches, or casual dinners. I find that it always disappears fast whenever I bring it to a gathering because everyone loves that mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory all in one bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the heart of the salad. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and brings great flavor. You can substitute with leftover roasted chicken or cooked chicken breast if needed.
Celery: Adds a lovely crunch. If you don’t have celery, cucumber or jicama are great crunchy alternatives.
Grapes: They give a pop of natural sweetness. You can swap red grapes with green grapes or even diced apples for a similar effect.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This mix creates a creamy dressing. For a lighter option, use all Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Adjust lemon juice to keep the flavors fresh.
Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): These add a nice texture and earthiness. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
How Can You Make the Salad Creamy but Not Overpowering?
Balancing the creamy dressing is key to keeping the salad light and fresh. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce heaviness but keep creaminess.
- Add lemon juice for bright acidity, which cuts through the richness.
- Season gently with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Toss the dressing with the chicken and veggies gently – too much mixing can break down the ingredients and make the salad mushy.
- Chilling the salad for a bit before serving helps the flavors come together nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use this to combine all the ingredients easily and keep everything together.
- Small bowl – perfect for whisking the dressing ingredients without making a mess.
- Cutting board and knife – handy for chopping celery, spinach, bell pepper, and parsley quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps get the right amounts of mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice.
- Salad spoons or tongs – for tossing everything together gently so it stays looking nice.
- Serving dish – for presentation when you’re ready to eat or share your salad.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap grapes with diced apples or pears for a different sweet-tart flavor.
- Use cooked bacon bits or crispy fried onions as a topping for extra crunch and savoriness.
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer a different crunch or flavor profile.
- Mix in some diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats or swap out spinach with arugula for a peppery twist.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed bacon bits or fried onions for garnish (optional)
- Crackers or bread for serving
Time Needed:
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required. It’s quick to mix, and you can enjoy it fresh or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes if you like it cooler and more blended in flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped celery, halved grapes, chopped spinach, diced green bell pepper, and nuts if you’re using them. This combination gives the salad plenty of texture and color.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing adds creaminess and a little tang to the salad.
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the grapes as you mix.
4. Final Touches:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Transfer it to a serving bowl and sprinkle crushed bacon bits or fried onions on top if you want a crunchy, savory boost.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with crackers or a slice of fresh bread for a satisfying meal or snack.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently before shredding. This helps keep the chicken tender and flavorful for the salad.
How Long Can I Store Rotisserie Chicken Salad?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken or separate slightly over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after resting for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, which lets the flavors meld. Just keep the dressing separate if you plan to make it more than a day ahead.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative to lighten the dressing. Just note this will change the flavor slightly, making it tangier and less rich.
