If you are looking for a delightfully creamy and tangy salad that comes together in no time, this Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken with crunchy veggies and a luscious blend of Greek yogurt and mayo, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and freshness. Whether you want a quick lunch, a picnic staple, or an impressive yet easy dish for guests, this salad elevates simple ingredients into a meal that feels special but never fussy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled hexagon tile surface, filled with several layers of ingredients separated neatly. On the right side, there is a large layer of light beige shredded tuna. To the bottom right, small pale green diced celery pieces form a cluster, with finely chopped red onion in the bottom left corner. Next to the onion and slightly above, there is a small pile of green relish. Centered on top of these layers are three dollops of creamy sauces: a white mayonnaise-like sauce with black pepper, a darker yellow mustard sauce, and another white creamy sauce, all placed side by side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe plays a crucial role—whether it’s for adding crunch, creaminess, or bright flavor. The list is refreshingly simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create layers of texture and taste that make every bite a joy.

Rotisserie chicken (6 cups shredded): This forms the hearty base, packed with savory, juicy goodness that shines through every forkful.
Celery (½ cup diced): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Red onion (⅓ cup diced): Offers a subtle sharpness and vibrant color that lift the flavor profile.
Pickle relish (¼ cup): Brings a sweet-tangy pop that enlivens the salad without overpowering it.
Plain Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Provides a healthy, creamy tang that cuts through the richness for a perfect bite.
Mayo (⅓ cup): Adds silky texture and classic flavor, complementing the yogurt for decadence.
Pickle juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the brightness and ties all the flavors together wonderfully.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Infuses a subtle kick with its smooth, sharp character, deepening complexity.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything into harmonious balance.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Start with warm rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast and shred it finely for the perfect texture. Using a food processor to pulse the chicken into smaller pieces will mimic that classic deli-style chicken salad texture, making it easier to scoop and enjoy. This step is optional but highly recommended for that irresistibly smooth yet chunky finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

Dice celery and red onion into small pieces. The smaller the veggies, the easier it will be to combine their fresh crunch evenly throughout the salad. This also ensures every bite has a little zing and keeps the salad feeling light and fresh rather than heavy.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing and Combine

In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayo, pickle relish, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Then, toss in the shredded chicken and diced veggies to coat everything thoroughly. Stir well until the ingredients are mingled into a creamy, chunky salad. The harmony of the tangy dressing with the savory chicken is simply divine.

Step 4: Chill or Serve

You can serve this Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe immediately for a quick, satisfying meal or refrigerate it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld even further. Chilling also firms up the salad, making it perfect for sandwiches or wraps.

How to Serve Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a chunky light beige salad mixed with small pieces of green celery and bits of red onion throughout. A woman's hand holds a square golden-brown cracker topped with a scoop of this salad, displaying its creamy and textured mix. The background has a soft white marbled surface with more crackers blurred in the upper part of the image. The scene has bright natural lighting, highlighting the fresh and mixed ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill elevate the visual appeal and add bursts of brightness that complement the salad’s creamy richness. A sprinkle of paprika or a few crunchy toasted nuts can also add delightful contrast and texture.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, crusty bread, or fresh crackers for scooping. It also works beautifully with a light soup or alongside some roasted veggies to round out your meal without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken salad in avocado halves or stuffed into crunchy pita pockets for an eye-catching and satisfying twist. Another fun idea is to turn it into bite-sized lettuce wraps, perfect for casual get-togethers or healthy snacking. Presentation possibilities are endless, and each option highlights the creamy texture and fresh flavors uniquely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Giving it a good stir before serving will bring back its creamy consistency and fresh flavors.

Freezing

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is not the best candidate for freezing because the texture of the mayo and yogurt-based dressing can separate upon thawing, making it less appealing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since it’s a salad served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Just let it sit out a few minutes if it’s too chilled from the fridge, and it will regain its ideal creamy texture for optimal enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use regular cooked chicken if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded by hand or pulsed in a food processor. Rotisserie chicken just adds that extra savory convenience and flavor.

Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use dairy-free mayo to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing creaminess.

How long does this chicken salad keep in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Always give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped cucumbers can add even more crunch and color—just adjust the quantities to maintain balance with the other ingredients.

What’s the best way to serve this salad for a party?

Serve it as a dip with crackers and veggie sticks or prepare slider sandwiches with mini buns. You can also fill hollowed tomatoes or cucumbers for charming single-serve portions.

Final Thoughts

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels like a tasty treat yet comes together effortlessly. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy that makes lunchtime exciting and meal prep a breeze. I truly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this salad again and again!

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe