This quick rotisserie chicken salad is super easy to make! With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a simple meal.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe that uses store-bought chicken? Just mix everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to eat. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: The star of the salad! It saves time and adds flavor. You can use any cooked chicken if rotisserie isn’t available, like grilled or baked chicken leftovers.
Celery: This adds a nice crunch! If you don’t have celery, chopped apples or grapes can provide sweetness and texture instead.
Red Onion: Gives a sharp taste. If you find it too strong, try using green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base. You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier swap, or try vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a great tang. If you prefer, you can replace it with yellow mustard or skip it entirely.
How Do You Get the Best Flavors in the Chicken Salad?
Letting your chicken salad chill in the fridge is crucial for flavor blending. The ingredients need time together for the best taste.
- After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours.
This extra step makes a big difference, letting the chicken soak up the dressing’s flavors. Enjoy your salad with crackers, or use it for sandwiches or wraps!
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: extra black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and requires at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, you can have this tasty chicken salad ready in just 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies:
Start by shredding or chopping your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, finely dice the celery and finely chop the red onion. In a large bowl, combine these ingredients for a crunchy and flavorful base.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if you’re using it), and lemon juice until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy dressing will tie everything together wonderfully!
3. Combine All the Ingredients:
Pour the homemade dressing over your chicken and veggie mixture. Mix it all together gently until everything is well coated. You want all those delicious ingredients to be full of flavor!
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it another good stir to evenly distribute the seasoning. This is where you can customize the flavor just how you like it!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is important as it allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to eat, serve your chicken salad cold. Sprinkle some extra black pepper on top if you like. It pairs perfectly with crackers or can be piled high on sandwich bread for a tasty meal!
FAQ for Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Any leftover cooked chicken works great, whether it’s grilled, baked, or from a previous rotisserie chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh it, just give it a good stir before serving, and you can even add a little extra mayo or lemon juice if needed.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add any crunchy ingredients like celery right before serving to keep them fresh.
What Can I Add to Make It Different?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced apples for sweetness, chopped nuts for crunch, or even grapes for a fruity twist. You can also swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
