This easy summer rotisserie chicken salad is a quick and tasty meal. With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a light dressing, it’s perfect for warm days when you want something fresh!
Plus, using rotisserie chicken means less cooking for me! I love tossing it all together and enjoying it with friends. You can even pack it for picnics. How handy is that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of your salad! It saves time and adds flavor. You can use leftover roasted chicken if you have any around, or even canned chicken in a pinch!
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob tastes best, but you can grab frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it, and you’re good to go.
Avocado: This adds a creamy texture to your salad. If you don’t have avocado or want to keep it lighter, you can use a small amount of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice tang. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or leave it out altogether for a dairy-free option.
Pickled Red Onions: They add zing! If you don’t have pickled onions, you can slice fresh onions thinly and soak them in vinegar for about 10 minutes to mimic the taste.
How Do I Get the Corn Perfectly Grilled?
The corn is a key element of this salad, so getting it right matters! Here’s how to prepare it:
- Use a grill pan or skillet heated over medium-high heat.
- Cut fresh corn from the cob or use pre-cut kernels.
- Add the corn to the hot pan without crowding it. This helps it grill instead of steam.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you see some char marks for that smoky flavor.
This technique brings out the sweetness of the corn and enhances the whole salad! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (off the cob)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/3 cup pickled red onions
- 4 cups mixed greens
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. If you decide to grill the corn, add about 5-10 more minutes for that step. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for summer gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
Start by heating a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fresh corn kernels. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they become lightly charred and tender. Once done, take them off the heat and set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad Base:
Grab a large salad bowl and place the mixed greens at the bottom as your base. This will hold all your delicious toppings and help keep everything together.
3. Arrange the Salad Toppings:
Now for the fun part! Neatly arrange the chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled corn, sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, chopped dates, and pickled red onions on top of your mixed greens. You can either keep them in sections for a beautiful presentation or gently toss everything together, depending on your mood.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This easy dressing will elevate the flavor of your salad!
5. Dress the Salad:
Now, drizzle the dressing over your salad. If you opted to keep everything separated, you can also serve the dressing on the side for everyone to add to their taste. Toss gently if you want to mix it all together.
6. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful summer salad right away! It’s perfect on its own or as a light meal accompanied by some crusty bread. The combination of flavors—smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, tangy pickled onions, sweet dates, and salty feta—creates a marvelous summer dish!
Enjoy your easy summer rotisserie chicken salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works wonderfully in this salad. Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded for easy mixing. It’s a great way to use up any extra chicken!
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado or don’t have it on hand, you can use diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch, or dollops of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess. Both options will add great texture to the salad!
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep most of the salad ingredients a day in advance, like chopping the chicken, corn, and veggies. Just wait to add the avocado and dressing until you’re ready to serve for the best freshness!
