This rotisserie chicken salad may be my favorite greens salad ever! Loaded with flavor and crunch, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad is sure to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients, savory chicken, and hot bacon dressing makes each bite delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: The mix of grilled corn, dates, and goat cheese creates a unique taste that stands out.
- Quick to Prepare: With rotisserie chicken as the star ingredient, you can whip this salad up in just 40 minutes.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the components based on what you have on hand. It’s great for using leftover vegetables too!
- Healthy and Filling: This salad is not only nutritious but also hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, serving 2 to 4 people effortlessly.
Tools and Preparation
To create Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grill or grill pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all the ingredients together without making a mess.
- Whisk: Helps in blending the hot bacon dressing smoothly for an even distribution over your salad.
- Grill or grill pan: Necessary for grilling corn, adding that smoky flavor which enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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)
– 3 slices bacon
– 3 tablespoons bacon fat
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 teaspoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon pepper
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
How to Make Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Pickled Onions
To enhance your salad’s flavor profile:
1. If you want pickled onions, prepare them either the night before or at least an hour before serving.
2. Allow them time to marinate while you prep other ingredients.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
For that extra smoky flavor:
1. Start by grilling your corn until it’s nicely charred.
2. If you have leftover grilled corn on the cob, this is a perfect use!
Step 3: Chop Your Ingredients
Getting everything ready ensures ease when assembling:
1. Chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Remove kernels from the grilled corn.
3. Dice the medjool dates and measure out goat cheese and sliced almonds.
Step 4: Assemble Your Salad
Bring all those delicious elements together:
1. In a large bowl, toss spring greens with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Layer in chicken, corn, dates, goat cheese, pickled onions, and almonds.
3. Add avocado slices just before serving.
Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Bacon Dressing
Finalize your masterpiece:
1. Warm up your bacon fat in a small saucepan.
2. Stir in minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, pepper, and salt until well combined.
3. Drizzle this hot dressing over your assembled salad just before eating!
Enjoy every bite of Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad, bursting with flavors that delight!
How to Serve Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This delicious rotisserie chicken salad is not only a main dish but also versatile enough to serve in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
In a Wrap
- Use a tortilla or lettuce wrap to create a portable version of the salad, perfect for lunch on-the-go.
On Toasted Bread
- Serve the salad on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer or snack.
As a Layered Bowl
- Layer the salad ingredients in a bowl, adding extra toppings like crispy bacon bits for added crunch.
With Crackers
- Pair the salad with assorted crackers for a crunchy texture that complements the flavors beautifully.
In a Stuffed Avocado
- Hollow out half an avocado and fill it with the salad mixture for a healthy and appealing presentation.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- Serve the salad over cooked quinoa for a hearty and nutritious twist.
How to Perfect Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad
For those looking to enhance their chicken salad experience, here are some helpful tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh greens and ripe avocados make a significant difference in taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dressing before drizzling; adjust salt and pepper as needed for personal preference.
- Warm Your Dressing: Drizzling hot bacon dressing will help wilt the greens slightly, enhancing flavor absorption.
- Mix Textures: Include crunchy elements, like nuts or crispy bacon, to balance out softer ingredients.
- Customize Proteins: If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, feel free to substitute with grilled shrimp or tofu.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Pairing side dishes with your rotisserie chicken salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread adds a comforting touch that pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers sweetness that balances the savory elements of the chicken salad.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a delightful contrast in textures.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and additional nutrients to your table.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw introduces crunch while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dressing.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side that everyone loves.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob mirrors the corn in your salad, creating harmony across your plate.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs add protein and make for an elegant addition to any meal spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a salad can seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can diminish the flavor and texture of Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad.
- Skipping the Dressing: Many people forget to make the hot bacon dressing first. This dressing adds crucial flavor and should be warm when served.
- Using Unseasoned Greens: Neglecting to toss the greens with salt and pepper can result in a bland base for your salad. Always season them well for a tasty foundation.
- Adding Ingredients Too Soon: If you add avocado too early, it may brown before serving. It’s best to add it right before you eat.
- Ignoring Texture: Overcooking or undercooking ingredients like bacon can lead to an unbalanced texture. Make sure your bacon is crispy for that delightful crunch.
- Forgetting About Leftovers: Not storing leftovers properly can spoil your delicious creation. Follow storage guidelines to enjoy it later.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep it Fresh: Store your salad in an airtight container.
- Shelf Life: Consume within 3 days for best quality.
- Avoid Soggy Greens: Store dressing separately until ready to serve.
Freezing Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Not Recommended: Freezing is not ideal as it affects the texture of fresh ingredients like greens and avocado.
- Use Right Away: Enjoy immediately after preparing for optimum taste and freshness.
Reheating Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread chicken in a dish and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method keeps the chicken moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to explore some common questions about Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad.
What type of rotisserie chicken should I use?
Any rotisserie chicken will work well! Look for one that’s juicy and well-seasoned for the best flavor in your salad.
Can I customize this salad?
Absolutely! You can add or substitute ingredients such as different nuts, cheeses, or even different leafy greens based on your taste preferences.
How long does it take to make this salad?
The total time is about 40 minutes, which includes preparation and cooking times for the bacon and corn.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just store components separately until you’re ready to assemble, ensuring everything stays fresh.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Serve immediately after drizzling with hot bacon dressing for a warm, satisfying experience!
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad is not only flavorful but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. Try this delicious salad today—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the vibrant flavors of Our Favorite Rotisserie Chicken Salad! This delightful dish combines tender rotisserie chicken with fresh spring greens, grilled corn, creamy goat cheese, and a sweet-savory hot bacon dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. With its crunchy textures from almonds and dates, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry. Enjoy this hearty salad that can stand alone as a main course or be served alongside your favorite sides!
Ingredients
- 2 ears of corn (grilled)
- 12 to 16 ounces spring greens
- 1 rotisserie chicken (chopped)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 6 medjool dates (chopped)
- 4 ounces goat cheese (crumbled)
- 3 slices bacon
- Hot bacon dressing ingredients: garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare pickled onions at least an hour before serving.
- Grill corn until charred; remove kernels.
- Chop rotisserie chicken, dates, and measure cheese and almonds.
- In a large bowl, toss spring greens with salt and pepper; layer in chicken, corn, dates, goat cheese, pickled onions, and almonds.
- For the hot bacon dressing: Cook bacon until crispy; combine drippings with garlic, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over low heat. Drizzle over salad before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap ingredients like nuts or cheese according to your taste. To enhance flavors further, add herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
