This easy summer rotisserie chicken salad is a perfect blend of fresh veggies and juicy chicken, making it light and refreshing. It’s great for warm days and comes together in no time!
Honestly, who can resist the convenience of rotisserie chicken? I love tossing in some crunchy cucumbers and sweet tomatoes. Perfect for a summer picnic or just a quick lunch at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the salad! I love using rotisserie chicken for its juicy flavor and ease. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or roasted tofu for protein.
Grilled Corn: Fresh corn on the cob adds a smoky flavor. If it’s not in season, frozen corn works just fine. You can even use canned corn—just rinse it well to reduce sodium!
Avocado: A ripe avocado gives creaminess to the salad. If you’re allergic or don’t have one on hand, consider using creamy hummus or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy crunch. If you’re short on time, thin slices of fresh red onion can substitute, but be cautious as they are stronger in flavor.
Dried Dates: They add sweetness. If you’re not a fan of dates, dried cranberries or fresh berries can give a twist while still providing that sweet touch.
How Do I Grill Corn Perfectly for My Salad?
Grilling corn brings out its natural sweetness and adds charred flavors. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with fresh corn on the cob. Peel back the husks, remove the silk, and soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes. This helps keep it moist while grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the corn directly on the grill or wrap each ear in foil.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s tender and has nice grill marks.
- Let it cool, then cut the kernels off the cob. Remember to catch them in a bowl to avoid a mess!
This method gives your salad a delicious smoky flavor that really stands out!
Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1/2 cup grilled corn kernels (fresh or frozen, char-grilled)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- 1/4 cup dried dates, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, and/or spring mix)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or sherry vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll be mixing fresh ingredients, chopping, and whisking together the dressing in no time, making it a quick and easy dish perfect for warm summer days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by placing your mixed salad greens evenly in a large bowl, or you can divide them among individual serving bowls for a nice presentation.
2. Arrange the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to layer the flavors! Take your chopped rotisserie chicken and arrange it on top of the greens. Next, add the grilled corn kernels, sliced avocado, pickled red onions, chopped dates, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. You can keep each ingredient in separate sections to create a beautiful, colorful look!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and emulsified—this will create a lovely dressing to tie all the flavors together.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. You can toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients with the dressing, or leave it as is and let your guests mix their own portions if you prefer.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your refreshing summer salad immediately! It’s a perfect main dish or a side for your summer gatherings.
This vibrant salad features a delightful mix of smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, sweet dates, tangy pickled onions, and savory feta, all tied together with a simple yet flavorful dressing. Perfect for warm weather meals!
FAQ for Easy Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or baked chicken works wonderfully in this salad. Just make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
What Can I Substitute for Pickled Red Onions?
If you don’t have pickled red onions, thinly sliced regular red onions can be used, but consider soaking them in vinegar for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Alternatively, you can use sliced dill pickles for a different but tasty crunch!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply swap the rotisserie chicken for chickpeas or grilled tofu, and replace the feta cheese with crumbled tofu or a plant-based cheese. You can also skip the honey in the dressing and use agave syrup instead.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch!
