Rotisserie chicken salad is one of those magical recipes that feels homemade and comforting but comes together in minutes. I still remember the first time I made it for a last-minute lunch with friends — the kitchen smelled of fresh celery and onions, and everyone kept asking how I had the time to cook chicken from scratch. When I revealed the secret (store-bought rotisserie chicken), they were stunned.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Using pre-cooked chicken not only saves time but also gives the salad incredible flavor and tenderness. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, quick meal prep, or when you want a fresh and filling dish without turning on the oven. If you enjoy this kind of simplicity, you’ll probably also love my 5-Ingredient Chicken Salad for ultra-fast prep or my sweet and tangy Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad for a fruity twist.
The secret to a great rotisserie chicken salad is balance — the savory, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with crisp celery, mildly sharp red onion, and tender baby spinach. The dressing, made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, adds creaminess without feeling heavy. A little salt and pepper bring everything together, and the whole dish is ready in under 10 minutes.
This salad works for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or served simply in a bowl. It’s protein-rich, versatile, and perfect for both casual lunches and special gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a staple in so many kitchens.
Print
Rotisserie Chicken Salad – Quick, Creamy & Satisfying
Rotisserie chicken salad made in minutes with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light lunch.
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped (skin and bones removed)
1/3 cup finely diced celery
1/3 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Combine chicken, celery, red onion, and spinach in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and gently fold until well combined.
4. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Use in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or as a dip with crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients & Best Prep Tips for Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Fresh Ingredients Make All the Difference
The heart of rotisserie chicken salad is, of course, the chicken. Choose a freshly cooked rotisserie chicken with golden, crispy skin and tender meat — remove the skin and bones before chopping. Crisp celery and finely diced red onion add crunch and a mild bite, while baby spinach brings a fresh, earthy note.
The creamy dressing is a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, giving the salad richness with a hint of tang. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want to play with flavor, swap in herbs like dill or parsley, or mix in dried fruit or nuts for extra texture. For more flavorful combinations, my Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad blends savory and sweet beautifully, and my Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans offers a crunchy, juicy twist.
Prep Tips for the Best Results
Shred or chop the chicken into small, even pieces so the dressing coats every bite. To keep the vegetables crisp, mix them in just before serving if you’re making the salad ahead of time. When chopping onions, rinse them under cold water after dicing — it softens the bite while keeping the flavor.
For the creamiest texture, stir the dressing separately before folding it into the chicken and vegetables. If you prefer a lighter salad, increase the Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise. And if you’re packing this for lunch, store the salad in an airtight container and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Making Guide for Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Mixing the Salad Base
To make rotisserie chicken salad, start by chopping or shredding about two cups of cooked rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add finely diced celery for crunch, red onion for a little zing, and finely chopped baby spinach for a touch of freshness.
If you like salads with bold personality, my Chicken Salad with Avocado Dressing offers a creamy, green twist, while my tangy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad turns up the flavor with a kick of heat.
Adding the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add salt and black pepper, tasting as you go. This step ensures that the dressing is perfectly blended before it meets the chicken and vegetables.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. The key is to mix just enough to combine — overmixing can break down the chicken and make the salad lose its texture. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serving Ideas & Variations for Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Creative Ways to Serve
Rotisserie chicken salad is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Pile it high on a buttery croissant or sandwich bread for a classic lunch, or spoon it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. It’s also great as a topping for crackers, stuffed into pita pockets, or served over a bed of fresh greens for a lighter meal.
For seasonal twists, try pairing it with fresh fruit-based salads like my Peach Basil Chicken Salad for a summer picnic, or keep things quick and hot with my Air Fryer Chicken Salad for a warm, comforting option.
Flavor Variations to Try
You can easily customize rotisserie chicken salad to suit your mood or pantry. Add chopped apples and walnuts for a sweet crunch, stir in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for an Italian vibe, or mix in curry powder and raisins for a warm, spiced version.
For a protein boost, add diced hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas. To lighten it up, swap the mayonnaise entirely for Greek yogurt and add a squeeze of lemon juice. With its adaptable nature, this salad can be as classic or as creative as you want it to be.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Can I use rotisserie chicken for chicken salad?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for chicken salad because it’s already cooked, tender, and full of flavor. Just remove the skin and bones before chopping or shredding the meat.
What is the secret ingredient in rotisserie chicken?
Many store-bought rotisserie chickens are seasoned with a blend of herbs, spices, and sometimes a touch of sugar to enhance browning. These seasonings add depth of flavor to your chicken salad without extra effort.
What can I make out of rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is incredibly versatile. Aside from chicken salad, you can use it in soups, casseroles, tacos, wraps, and pasta dishes. It’s a great shortcut for quick, flavorful meals.
What all do you put in chicken salad?
Classic chicken salad includes chopped chicken, mayonnaise, and seasonings, but it’s common to add ingredients like celery, onions, grapes, nuts, or herbs. The beauty is that you can customize it to your taste.
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken salad is the ultimate quick and flavorful meal. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, balanced dressing, it’s both satisfying and adaptable to countless variations. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, wrap, or bowl, it’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a weekday lunch as it does for a weekend gathering.
Once you try this easy method, you’ll find yourself keeping a rotisserie chicken on hand just to whip up this salad whenever the craving strikes.
For More recipes Follow me on Facebook!
