Best Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Category: Fresh & Vibrant Salads

Enjoy a refreshing mix of shredded chicken combined with crisp celery and green onions, all brought together with a creamy blend of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Light dill and sea salt give this salad a fresh, savory finish. Quick to toss together in a food processor, it offers both convenience and great taste. This chicken salad is perfect for make-ahead lunches, picnics, or an easy protein-packed meal on the go. Its tender texture and flavorsome dressing make it a family favorite you can whip up any day of the week.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sun, 25 May 2025 00:14:17 GMT
A bowl of chicken salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Pin
A bowl of chicken salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. | easydiyrecipes.com

This creamy rotisserie chicken salad became my lifesaver on busy weekdays with only ten minutes of prep and simple ingredients I always have around There is nothing better for lunch or a light dinner when you need healthy food fast and it packs up beautifully for picnics or office days

I first tried this with leftover rotisserie chicken after a lazy Sunday roast and was shocked how quickly it disappeared from the fridge My husband now asks if we can double the batch for a quick grabandgo lunch

Ingredients

  • Chopped celery: about two stalks gives crunch and freshness Choose crisp stalks with pale green color for the best flavor
  • Chopped green onion: about three adds mild bite Pick firm green onions with no slick spots
  • Shredded chicken: rotisserie chicken is ideal for tenderness and flavor Choose either light or dark meat but a mix delivers the juiciest salad
  • Mayonnaise: binds the salad and gives creamy texture Look for a fullflavor mayo with simple ingredients for best results
  • Dijon mustard: adds a gentle tang and depth Use a smooth Dijon for the most balanced flavor
  • Sea salt: brings out all the flavors Flaky or fine works but taste as you go
  • Dried dill: offers a soft herby note Choose a fresh batch for bright aroma

StepbyStep Instructions

Chop the Veggies:
Use a food processor to pulse celery and green onions together until they are fine and evenly chopped Stop and scrape down the sides once or twice to get an even texture This tiny chop ensures you get a pop of freshness in every bite
Combine Salad Ingredients:
Add shredded chicken mayonnaise and Dijon mustard right into the food processor with the veggies Pulse about five times to just start mixing the ingredients together
Scrape and Mix:
Also using a spatula scrape down the bowl edges to catch any chunks so nothing is missed Pulse another five to ten times for a creamy textured salad but stop before it turns into a paste Some texture makes it more delicious
Taste and Adjust:
Spoon out a dab and taste for salt and dill If you want extra freshness sprinkle in a bit more dill or even squeeze in a dash of lemon juice for zing
A bowl of salad with chicken, cucumbers, and carrots. Pin
A bowl of salad with chicken, cucumbers, and carrots. | easydiyrecipes.com

One thing I absolutely love in this recipe is the fresh crunch from the celery My kids call it crispies and we have a running game to see who gets the most in their scoop It makes every bite exciting and satisfying

Storage Tips

This chicken salad holds up well in the refrigerator for up to four days Store it in an airtight container for best freshness If you want even more crunch set aside a small amount of fresh celery to stir in right before eating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of green onions try chives or very finely diced red onions For a lighter option plain Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the mayonnaise Rotisserie turkey or leftover roast chicken also work beautifully

Serving Suggestions

Spoon it inside lettuce cups for a light lunch Pile it onto toasted sourdough with tomato slices for a heartier meal Or use it to stuff pita pockets for a portable snack It pairs especially well with crisp cucumber and fresh salad greens

A bowl of salad with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Pin
A bowl of salad with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural and Family Context

Chicken salad has roots across many cuisines but this easy rotisserie version became a go-to in my busy weekdays After the first time I made it for my kids using up leftover roast chicken it was a hit Now it is our official snack during summer road trip days

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this salad and saves time in the kitchen.

→ What kind of mayonnaise should I use?

Any preferred mayonnaise works, whether traditional or light. Greek yogurt can also be used for a tangier taste.

→ How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Store the salad in an airtight container, and add fresh greens or bread just before serving for best texture.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it meal-prep friendly.

→ Are there alternative add-ins?

Try adding chopped apples, grapes, or toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor variations.

→ Is this salad suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, it's naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, ideal for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.

Best Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Tender chicken mixed with crisp celery, green onions, and creamy dressing—ideal for fast, fresh lunches.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Salads

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Salad Base

01 120 g chopped celery (approximately 2 stalks)
02 25 g chopped green onion (about 3 medium green onions)
03 320 g shredded rotisserie chicken (light, dark, or mixed meat)

→ Dressing

04 80 g mayonnaise
05 5 g Dijon mustard
06 0.5 g sea salt
07 0.5 g dried dill

Steps

Step 01

Place chopped celery and green onion into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 02

Add shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard to the food processor with the vegetables.

Step 03

Pulse the mixture 5 times, scrape down the sides, then pulse 5 to 10 additional times until everything is well mixed but retains some texture.

Step 04

Sprinkle in the sea salt and dried dill, then quickly pulse to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed and serve.

Notes

  1. For best texture, avoid over-processing the salad; aim for a coarse mixture with visible pieces of chicken and vegetables.

Tools Required

  • Food processor
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains eggs (in mayonnaise) and may contain mustard allergens.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 246
  • Fats: 18.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
  • Proteins: 17.8 g