When the weather gets warm and the last thing you want is to turn on the oven, this Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad becomes your go-to recipe. It’s cool, refreshing, and packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes it fast, while the colorful, crisp ingredients keep it light and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
🍗 Rotisserie chicken makes it easy and flavorful
🥒 Crunchy summer veggies keep it fresh and crisp
🍋 Lemon-herb vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully
🥗 Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or light dinners
🕒 Ready in under 20 minutes — no cooking required!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2–3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
- 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs: parsley, dill, or basil for garnish
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake well and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, combine shredded chicken, greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
Step 3: Toss & Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with cheese and herbs if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving for even more flavor.
Optional Add-ins
- Sweet corn or fresh peaches for a summer twist
- Chickpeas or quinoa to make it heartier
- Toasted nuts or seeds for crunch
- Pita chips or croutons on the side for texture
Perfect For:
- Easy weekday lunches
- Picnic or potluck dishes
- Light dinners on hot nights
- Summer meal prep (stores well for 2–3 days)
Final Thoughts
The Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad is everything you need in a warm-weather meal — it’s light, flavorful, nourishing, and takes almost no time to prepare. It’s proof that you don’t need to cook from scratch to create a fresh, wholesome dish your whole family will love. One bowl, endless possibilities!