Easy Chicken Salad Recipe With Rotisserie Chicken

I am absolutely obsessed with this chicken salad recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, making my taste buds do a happy dance! Plus, it’s super versatile – whether I’m serving it solo, on a bed of greens, or stuffed in a sandwich, it never fails to deliver a burst of flavor and satisfaction.

I enjoy making healthy, fast meals, and this Easy Chicken Salad with Rotisserie Chicken is a go-to. The shredded chicken makes it super easy, but the creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt give it the kind of staying-power that makes you feel satisfied.

I think the addition of lemon juice, crunchy celery, and diced red onion makes it sing. And I love it with a sweet element like dried cranberries or grapes.

That sweetness makes a huge difference in the flavor profile.

Ingredients

Rotisserie chicken:
It is simple, tasty, and convenient, yet it is high in protein.

Mayonnaise:
Contributes creamy texture and delightful flavor; unites disparate elements.

Plain Greek yogurt:
They have a lot of protein and very little fat, and they give a creaminess and tanginess that is wonderful.

Lemon juice:
Yields new citrus tastes and fortifies flavor and luminosity.

Dijon mustard:
Contributes nuanced heat and a bright, barely hot flavor.

Celery:
Provides a crunchy texture, contributes fiber, and adds a subtle flavor.

Red onion:
The sharp, spicy-sweet flavor provides color and nutrition.

Sliced almonds or pecans:
Include healthy fats, nutty flavor, and crunch.

Dried cranberries or grapes:
Offer inherent sweetness, and juxtapose with salty constituents.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or grapes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a sizable mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Make sure these ingredients are well combined and smooth.

2. Ensure you coat the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly with the dressing as you add it to the bowl.

3. Incorporate the diced celery and red onion to provide a crunchy texture.

4. For additional nuttiness, add the sliced almonds or chopped pecans.

5. Incorporate the dried cranberries or halved grapes for a delightful touch of sweetness.

6. Add the fresh parsley to the mixture for a clean, herby taste.

7. Carefully combine all the components by tossing. Ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed.

8. Sample the salad and, if desired, fine-tune the flavor with extra salt or pepper.

9. Put the chicken salad in a dish meant for serving and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

10. Chill and serve alone, on a bed of greens, or as a stuffing for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Sizable mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Whisk or spoon for mixing
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Serving dish
8. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?You may absolutely employ any form of cooked chicken you have available, such as breasts that have been grilled or roasted.
• Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?If you lack Greek yogurt, use sour cream instead.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?This salad can indeed be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the nuts and fresh herbs just before serving for a better texture.
• What can I serve this chicken salad with?It can be served with lettuce wraps, in a sandwich, with crackers, or on a bed of mixed greens.
• Can I make this salad dairy-free?To ensure the recipe is free of dairy, substitute Greek yogurt for a non-dairy yogurt alternative or extra mayonnaise.
• How long will this chicken salad keep in the fridge?The chicken salad has a shelf life of up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator.
• Are there any nut-free options?Allergy sufferers can leave nuts out entirely or swap them for sunflower seeds to enjoy a nut-free version.

Substitutions and Variations

1/3 cup mayonnaise – Use creamy avocado or an equal amount of sour cream for a lighter option.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt – If you can’t find Greek yogurt, substitute with plain, regular yogurt or sour cream.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – For a zesty flavor, switch it with lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Change it up by using spicy brown mustard or whole-grain mustard for a different flavor.
1/2 cup celery, diced – Use diced cucumber or fennel for a fresh crunch, or leave it out if you’re not into it.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the flavor by roasting the nuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad. This will bring out their natural oils and add an extra layer of flavor.

2. Add some zest by including lemon zest along with the lemon juice. It adds a bright, fresh note that complements the creamy dressing and vegetables.

3. For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing mix, giving the salad a subtle kick.

4. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive dish.

5. Consider using a mix of both dried cranberries and grapes for varied texture and bursts of sweetness throughout the salad.