Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a classic, quick, and flavorful dish made with tender shredded chicken, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables. It’s a perfect way to use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a simple meal prep, picnic, or sandwich filling. This salad combines juicy chicken with crunchy celery, tangy pickles, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, giving it the perfect balance of texture and taste.
It’s ideal for a light lunch, snack, or as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, or lettuce cups. You can easily customize it with your favourite add ins such as grapes, nuts, or herbs.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rotisserie chicken (shredded, skin removed) | 3 cups |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Red onion (finely diced) | ¼ cup |
| Sweet or dill pickles (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp (adjust to taste) |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Optional: grapes, apples, or nuts | as desired |
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add Vegetables and Chicken:
Stir in celery, red onion, pickles, and parsley. Then add the shredded chicken and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwiches: Spoon the chicken salad onto bread, croissants, or rolls.
- Wraps: Wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce and tomatoes.
- Low-carb option: Serve in lettuce cups or on cucumber slices.
- Salad bowl: Serve over mixed greens for a refreshing meal.
Storage Tips
- Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Avoid freezing as the mayo-based dressing can separate and change texture.
- Stir well before serving leftovers.
Variations
- Healthy twist: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Sweet & crunchy: Add chopped apples, grapes, or dried cranberries.
- Nutty flavor: Sprinkle in almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
(Values may vary slightly based on exact ingredients.)
Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Use both white and dark meat for a richer flavor.
- Add ingredients only after the chicken has cooled slightly.
- Chill before serving it enhances the flavours beautifully.
- For meal prep, keep dressing separate until serving time.
Conclusion
Rotisserie Chicken Salad is the ultimate quick and easy meal that tastes gourmet without the effort. With its creamy texture, crisp veggies, and savory flavour, it’s perfect for busy days, picnics, or family lunches. It’s versatile, nutritious, and satisfying all made in under 15 minutes!
