This refreshing summer salad is a breeze to make! It features tender rotisserie chicken, crisp veggies, and a light dressing that keeps things tasty and vibrant.
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on hot days. I love tossing in whatever fresh ingredients I have at home. Who knew being healthy could be this easy and delicious?!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the salad! It’s flavorful and saves time. If you don’t have it, you can use leftover chicken or even canned chicken for a quicker option.
Corn: Grilled or roasted corn adds a nice smoky flavor. If fresh corn isn’t available, canned or frozen corn works well too. Just ensure it’s heated through if using frozen.
Avocado: The creamy texture of avocado is a must! If it’s not ripe yet or you have an allergy, feel free to substitute it with diced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy kick! If you’re short on time, you can use sliced red onions instead, or just some chopped green onions for a milder flavor.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a salty depth. In case you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even diced cheese cubes can be good alternatives.
How Do I Make the Best Salad Dressing?
Making a homemade dressing is super easy and adds a personal touch to your salad. Here’s how to get it right:
- Grab a small bowl and whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey together.
- Keep whisking until it’s smooth and well combined; this helps emulsify the mixture.
- Don’t forget to taste! Add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
- If you like your dressing sweeter, just add a bit more honey or maple syrup.
Making dressing from scratch not only tastes better, but you can also control the ingredients and adjust to your personal taste! Enjoy your salad with this awesome dressing!
Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels (grilled or roasted for charred flavor)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix), enough to fill a large bowl
- 6-8 chopped Medjool dates (or other sweet dates)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or sherry vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to chop the ingredients, mix the dressing, and toss everything together, making it a perfect option for a busy summer day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s well combined. This dressing adds a wonderful flavor that ties the whole salad together!
2. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, grill or roast it until it’s nice and charred. Once cooked, let it cool a bit, then cut the kernels off the cob and set them aside.
3. Build the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, add a generous handful of mixed salad greens. This will be the foundation for all your delicious toppings!
4. Layer the Ingredients:
On top of the greens, arrange the chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled corn, sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, pickled red onions, chopped sweet dates, and sliced almonds. You can get creative here, placing each ingredient in sections or clusters to make it look beautiful!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad. You can control how much you add based on your preference for dressing—go wild or keep it light!
6. Final Seasoning:
Sprinkle a bit of salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the top to season it just right.
7. Toss and Enjoy:
Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, or you can serve it as is for a pretty presentation. Either way, it’s sure to be delicious!
8. Serve Fresh:
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. This salad is perfect for hot days or as a light meal anytime!
This easy rotisserie chicken salad combines smoky corn, creamy avocado, sweet dates, tangy pickled onions, and salty feta for a colorful and delicious meal that’s perfect for warm weather. Enjoy your delightful dish!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just be sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
You can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the rotisserie chicken with chickpeas or tofu and omitting the feta cheese. Use a vegan dressing or simply a mix of olive oil and lemon juice instead.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid wilted greens. You can store the salad components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the salad contains avocado, it may brown a bit, but you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice on it to slow down the oxidation. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature!
