This refreshing summer rotisserie chicken salad is a breeze to make! It combines juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a light dressing for a tasty meal perfect for warm days.
No need to heat up the kitchen—just shred that rotisserie chicken and toss everything together. It’s quick, healthy, and seriously delicious! I love serving it on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the dish! It saves time and adds great flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover roasted chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Avocado: Adds creaminess to the salad. If you’re not a fan of avocado or have allergies, try using diced cucumber or some creamy yogurt as a substitute.
Corn: Grilled or roasted corn gives a sweet crunch. If corn isn’t in season, frozen corn works great and can be heated up quickly or used thawed for added texture.
Nuts: Sliced almonds bring crunch. You can easily swap them for walnuts or pecans. For nut-free options, pumpkin seeds are a nice alternative.
Cheese: Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Feta is excellent too. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try using a vegan cheese or simply omit it.
Mixed Greens: Feel free to use any greens you like! Spinach, arugula, or kale are all lovely choices and can change up the flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Pickled Red Onions?
Pickled red onions are super easy to make and add a zesty touch to your salad! Here’s how to do it:
- Slice a medium red onion thinly.
- In a small saucepan, mix apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Heat just until the sugar dissolves.
- Place the sliced onions in a jar and pour the vinegar solution over them. Allow to cool at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour, or until you’re ready to enjoy your salad!
This method keeps the onions crisp and flavorful, adding a delightful zing to your salad. You can store any leftover onions in the fridge for up to a week!
Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup grilled or roasted corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions (see instructions below)
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix, baby spinach, arugula)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or a sweet vinaigrette
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pickled Red Onions (optional):
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad can be ready in about 30 minutes, with an additional hour if you decide to make the pickled onions. Perfect for a quick summer meal!
Instructions:
1. Prepare Pickled Red Onions (if using):
In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Heat over medium until the sugar and salt dissolve. Transfer the thinly sliced red onions to a jar or bowl and pour the hot vinegar mixture over them. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
2. Grill or Roast Corn (if using fresh corn):
Remove the corn kernels from the cob if using fresh corn. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, then add the corn kernels. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn gets a nice char. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, start with the mixed salad greens as the base. Top with the rotisserie chicken, avocado slices, grilled corn, sliced almonds, crumbled cheese, chopped dates, and pickled onions, arranging them either in sections or mixed together for an appealing look.
5. Dress and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and lightly toss to combine, or serve the dressing on the side. Add extra salt and pepper to taste if desired.
6. Optional Serving Suggestion:
For a fuller meal, consider serving the salad with crusty bread or alongside tortilla wraps.
Enjoy this fresh, colorful, and flavorful summer salad that’s quick to prepare using rotisserie chicken!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can easily substitute it with grilled shrimp, diced turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure any protein you choose is cooked and seasoned to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the greens. If the salad has been dressed, it might get soggy, so it’s best to add dressing just before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad components ahead of time. Cook and cool the corn, shred the chicken, and even make the pickled onions up to a day in advance. Just combine everything and dress it right before you’re ready to eat!
What Can I Substitute for the Pickled Red Onions?
If pickled red onions aren’t your thing, you can replace them with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick! Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also add a burst of flavor.
