Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly convenient since it uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, saving you time and effort. It’s fresh, creamy, and packed with texture from crunchy vegetables. You can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. Plus, there’s no cooking required, which makes it ideal for warm days or when you need a fast meal solution.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
rotisserie chicken, shredded
mayonnaise
Greek yogurt
celery, finely chopped
red onion, finely diced
dijon mustard
fresh lemon juice
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped
optional: grapes, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Directions
- Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
- Add the chopped celery, diced red onion, and fresh parsley to the dressing.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- If using optional ingredients like grapes, nuts, or dried cranberries, fold them in last.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Add diced apples for a sweet crunch or chopped pickles for a tangy twist. You can make it dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise. For extra flavor, mix in fresh dill or a dash of garlic powder. Turn it into a complete meal by serving it over mixed greens, stuffing it into whole-grain wraps, or spooning it into hollowed avocados.
Storage/Reheating
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing may slightly separate. This dish is not suitable for freezing due to the creamy dressing. Since it’s a no-cook recipe, reheating is not necessary; serve it chilled for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch, but rotisserie chicken offers better flavor and texture.
How long does rotisserie chicken salad last?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually better after chilling for a few hours because the flavors blend together.
What can I serve with chicken salad?
Serve it with crackers, in sandwiches, on croissants, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.
How do I keep it from getting watery?
Make sure your vegetables are dry before mixing, and avoid over-mixing the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the chicken salad itself is gluten-free. Just ensure any add-ins or serving options are gluten-free as well.
Can I add hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, chopped hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and creaminess.
What herbs work well in this recipe?
Fresh dill, chives, or basil are excellent additions.
Can I make it spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce for a kick.
Do I need to remove the chicken skin?
It’s recommended for a smoother texture, but you can keep it if you prefer extra flavor.
Conclusion
No-Cook Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a simple yet flavorful recipe that makes mealtime effortless. With its creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken, it’s a reliable go-to for quick lunches, light dinners, or meal prep. Easy to customize and even easier to prepare, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
PrintNo-Cook Rotisserie Chicken Salad
A quick and refreshing No-Cook Rotisserie Chicken Salad made with tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, sandwiches, or light lunches with zero stove time required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (skin removed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup halved grapes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the chopped celery, diced red onion, and fresh parsley to the dressing and stir to combine.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and mix gently until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- If using optional ingredients such as grapes, nuts, or dried cranberries, fold them in gently.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Ensure vegetables are dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is not suitable for freezing due to the creamy dressing.
- Serve in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or over mixed greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
