Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad combines fresh ingredients with a delightful crunch and a warm dressing that brings everything together. It’s not just any salad; it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good inside, whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering.

This salad is versatile and adaptable, making it perfect for any occasion. You can whip it up quickly when time is tight or prepare it ahead of time for a potluck. There’s something special about the combination of flavors and textures—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With rotisserie chicken, you save time while still enjoying homemade goodness.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet dates and creamy avocado, making this salad great for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for quick assembly later in the week.
• Flavor Packed: The hot bacon dressing ties everything together beautifully, adding warmth and richness.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Fresh greens and wholesome toppings make this salad a healthy choice without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s hard to resist this colorful array of simple, wholesome ingredients! Each component adds its own unique flavor and texture to create a well-rounded dish that everyone will enjoy.

For the Salad:

• 2 ears of corn, (grilled (roughly 1 cup of corn))
• 12 to 16 ounces spring greens, (as much as you like!)
• 1 rotisserie chicken, (meat pulled and chopped (again, use as much or as little as you like here!))
• 1 avocado, (thinly sliced)
• 6 medjool dates, (pitted and chopped)
• 4 ounces goat cheese, (crumbled)
• ¼ cup pickled onions
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, (toasted, if you wish)

For the Dressing:

• 3 slices bacon
• 3 tablespoons bacon fat
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use leftover grilled chicken or even turkey for a different flavor.
• Go vegetarian: Leave out the bacon and try roasted chickpeas for crunch instead!
• Change up the greens: Use kale or arugula for an extra kick of flavor and nutrition.
• Add seasonal fruits: Toss in some berries or apple slices for a refreshing twist!

How to Make Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Your Pickled Onions

If you’re planning to make pickled onions, it’s best to do this step ahead of time. They add such a delightful tanginess to your salad. If you’re short on time, don’t worry—you can skip them or buy them pre-made!

Step 2: Grill Your Corn

Start by grilling your corn if you’d like that smoky flavor. Grilled corn adds such sweetness and depth to the salad. If you have leftover grilled corn from another meal, this is an excellent way to use it!

Step 3: Chop Your Ingredients

Next up, chop your rotisserie chicken, medjool dates, and corn off the cob. Having everything prepped before assembly keeps things organized and makes serving easier.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, toss your spring greens with salt and pepper. Layer on your chopped chicken, grilled corn, dates, goat cheese, pickled onions, and almonds. Leave the avocado until just before serving; its creaminess will be perfect against the warmth of the dressing.

Step 5: Make Your Dressing

In a small pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Reserve some bacon fat for your dressing—this adds incredible flavor! In that same pan with the reserved fat, sauté garlic until fragrant before adding apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until heated through.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once everything is assembled and dressed with that warm bacon concoction, dive in! Enjoy every crunchy bite of this delightful salad—it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Creating the perfect rotisserie chicken salad is all about the little details. Here are some tips to elevate your salad game!

• Prep Ahead: Preparing your ingredients in advance, such as grilling corn or making pickled onions, saves time and enhances flavors when you’re ready to assemble your salad.
• Mix Textures: Incorporating a variety of textures—like crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tender greens—makes each bite more exciting and enjoyable.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand; this salad is versatile and can adapt to your taste!
• Serve Warm Dressing: Drizzling hot bacon dressing over the salad just before serving adds warmth and brings all the flavors together beautifully.
• Fresh Greens Matter: Using fresh spring greens not only elevates the taste but also adds vibrant color and nutrients, making your dish both healthy and appealing.

How to Serve Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Serving this delightful salad can be as creative as you want! Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling some chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Citrus Zest: A light sprinkle of lemon or lime zest can enhance the flavors while adding a pop of color.
• Extra Crumbled Cheese: For those who love cheese, an extra shower of crumbled goat cheese right before serving makes for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the salad’s flavors while keeping things healthy and colorful.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with our chicken salad for added protein.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful crunch that balances out the softness of the salad ingredients.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds sweetness and acts as a perfect palate cleanser between bites.

By adding these garnishes and side dishes, you’ll create an unforgettable meal that will impress your family and friends! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This rotisserie chicken salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components in advance, making it a quick and delightful option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
• Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the nature of fresh ingredients like greens and avocado.
• However, you can freeze any leftover grilled corn or chicken separately if needed.

Reheating

• If you have leftover chicken or corn, reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding them back into your salad.
• Avoid reheating greens as they lose their crispness and quality when warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our favorite rotisserie chicken salad.

Can I use other proteins instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! While our favorite rotisserie chicken salad features rotisserie chicken, you can substitute it with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

How do I make the best dressing for this rotisserie chicken salad?

The hot bacon dressing is key! Just follow the instructions closely for mixing bacon fat, vinegar, garlic, and seasonings, and enjoy that delicious flavor in every bite.

What should I do if I don’t have pickled onions?

No worries! You can quickly pickle some red onions at home using vinegar, sugar, and water. Simply slice the onions and let them soak in the mixture for about 30 minutes.

Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies—cucumbers, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes would be wonderful additions to our favorite rotisserie chicken salad!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this delightful rotisserie chicken salad as much as I do! It’s packed with flavor and texture that will brighten up any meal. Whether you’re prepping it for a family dinner or a quick lunch during the week, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!