Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad: Light, Refreshing & Flavor-Packed
Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is the ultimate go-to meal for warm-weather days when you want something light, refreshing, and effortlessly satisfying. Tender, juicy rotisserie chicken combined with crisp, colorful vegetables and a tangy, herb-infused dressing creates a salad that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for lunch, picnic outings, or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad balances protein, fresh produce, and bold flavors in every bite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor, while fresh seasonal vegetables and optional add-ins like avocado, nuts, or cheese elevate the dish. Each component complements the others, delivering satisfying textures—from crunchy cucumbers to creamy dressing—making it a meal that feels indulgent yet remains healthy.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients make 4 servings. Calorie counts are approximate.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Rotisserie chicken, shredded | 3 cups | 720 |
| Romaine lettuce, chopped | 4 cups | 32 |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup | 27 |
| Cucumber, sliced | 1 cup | 16 |
| Red bell pepper, chopped | 1 cup | 45 |
| Avocado, diced | 1 medium | 234 |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | ¼ cup | 16 |
| Feta cheese, crumbled (optional) | ¼ cup | 100 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | 8 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | 5 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | 1 |
| Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) | 2 tablespoons | 2 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Vegetables: Chop romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber and red bell pepper, dice avocado, and thinly slice red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh herbs.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, vegetables, shredded chicken, and feta cheese (if using).
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes for a refreshing, cold salad.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Options: Swap rotisserie chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variety.
- Add Crunch: Include nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use goat cheese or shredded Parmesan instead of feta.
- Dressing Variations: Try balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or a creamy avocado dressing.
- Seasonal Veggies: Add roasted corn, zucchini, or asparagus to match summer harvests.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~361 |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whole-grain crackers or toasted pita on the side.
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water for summer lunches.
- Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas for a low-carb option.
- Top with additional fresh herbs or microgreens for presentation.
Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad: Light, Refreshing & Flavor-Packed
4
servings15
minutes361
kcalIngredients
3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
Directions
- Prepare Chicken: Remove skin from rotisserie chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Vegetables: Chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber and red bell pepper, dice avocado, and thinly slice red onion.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and chopped herbs.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, vegetables, chicken, and feta cheese (if using).
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately or chill 15–20 minutes for a refreshing salad.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but grilled, baked, or poached chicken works as well.
Vegetable Variations: Add seasonal vegetables like roasted corn, zucchini, radishes, or asparagus for extra texture and nutrients.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all ingredients separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
2. Can I use other types of chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled, baked, or poached chicken works well if you don’t have a rotisserie chicken.
3. Can this salad be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
4. What vegetables can I add?
You can include seasonal vegetables such as roasted corn, zucchini, asparagus, or radishes to enhance flavor and texture.
5. How can I make the salad more filling?
Add avocado, nuts, seeds, or boiled eggs for extra protein and healthy fats.
Conclusion
Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Using ready-made rotisserie chicken makes preparation simple, while fresh, seasonal vegetables and a zesty herb dressing elevate the dish. Whether for a casual picnic, light lunch, or refreshing weeknight dinner, this salad is satisfying, colorful, and full of bold flavors. With its versatility and ease, it’s a must-have recipe for your summer meal rotation.
