If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal, rotisserie chicken salad is the answer. This delicious dish combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. With minimal prep time, you can enjoy a flavorful meal in no time. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a solo meal, this salad is sure to please your palate and fill your belly.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with no cooking time required.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cup): 320 calories, 23g protein, 15g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 3g sugar. This breakdown is based on one serving of the salad.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients.
2. Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion to the greens.
5. Toss the vegetables gently to mix.
6. Add the shredded chicken to the salad.
7. Sprinkle feta cheese and olives over the top.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to customize your rotisserie chicken salad by substituting ingredients. For instance, use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie, or swap out feta for goat cheese. You can also add fruits like apples or berries for a sweet twist.
Serving and Pairings
This rotisserie chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita chips, or even a light soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside quinoa or couscous.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so avoid reheating. It can also be prepped in advance, making it convenient for meal prep. Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in vegetables.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid using too much dressing; start with less and add more as needed.
– Ensure the chicken is evenly shredded for consistent flavor in every bite.
– Don’t mix the salad too vigorously to avoid bruising the greens.
– Use fresh ingredients to enhance flavor and texture.
– Taste before serving to adjust seasoning.
Helpful Tips
– Use leftover chicken for a quick meal.
– Experiment with different dressings for variety.
– Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
– Incorporate seasonal vegetables for freshness.
– Keep the salad components separate if prepping in advance.
FAQs
Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, grilled chicken works perfectly and adds a nice smoky flavor to the salad.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and omit cheese for a delicious vegan option.
What dressing pairs best with this salad?
A balsamic vinaigrette complements the flavors well, but feel free to use your favorite dressing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad delivers on taste and nutrition. Give it a try, and you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, romaine
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients.
- Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion to the greens.
- Toss the vegetables gently to mix.
- Add the shredded chicken to the salad.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and olives over the top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
