Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

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When time is tight but you’re craving something satisfying, I always turn to my Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little kitchen magic—transforming leftover rotisserie chicken into a fresh, crunchy, and creamy meal that hits all the right notes. The best part? You can whip it up in no time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

This salad is my go-to for lunch meal prep or an easy dinner idea on a busy weeknight. The juicy rotisserie chicken pairs beautifully with crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all coated in a creamy dressing with just the right tang. It’s equal parts comforting and refreshing, and you can serve it in so many ways—on a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, or straight out of the bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

• It’s ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknights.
• Great use of leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all in one bite.
• Versatile: enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, or salad bowl.
• No cooking required!

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What Kind of Chicken Works Best for This Salad?

I always reach for a store-bought rotisserie chicken because it’s flavorful, juicy, and already cooked. You can use breast meat for a leaner option or include a bit of thigh for extra richness. Just make sure to shred it well so the dressing coats every bite evenly.

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Options for Substitutions

This salad is incredibly flexible. Not a fan of walnuts? Swap them for pecans or sunflower seeds. Can’t find red apples? Use green apples or even grapes for that sweet touch. Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise if you’re aiming for a lighter version, and vegan mayo works great for a plant-based twist. Even the herbs can be adjusted—try dill, chives, or parsley depending on what’s in your fridge.

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Ingredients for this Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

• Rotisserie Chicken – The hero of the dish. Pre-cooked and perfectly seasoned, it saves time and adds juicy flavor.
• Red Apple – Adds a crisp, sweet contrast to the creamy base.
• Celery – Brings crunch and freshness to every bite.
• Red Onion – Offers a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness.
• Walnuts – Toasted for depth and crunch; they also add healthy fats.
• Mayonnaise – Creamy base for the dressing that binds everything together.
• Dijon Mustard – Gives a mild tang and a bit of heat.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.
• Fresh Parsley – For color and a burst of herbal freshness.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.

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Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Start by removing the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken. Use two forks or your hands to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want about 3 cups of shredded chicken.

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Step 2: Chop the Fruits and Veggies

Dice the red apple into small chunks (leave the peel on for color and crunch), slice the celery thin, and finely dice the red onion. You’re aiming for uniform size so each forkful is well-balanced.

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Step 3: Toast the Walnuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Stir occasionally and keep an eye out to prevent burning. Let them cool, then roughly chop.

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Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken, chopped apple, celery, red onion, and walnuts into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing them.

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Step 6: Chill or Serve Immediately

For best flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 10 minutes before serving. But if you’re in a rush, it tastes great right away too!

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How Long to Prepare the Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Preparation Time: The entire dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect go-to when you need something quick and satisfying. Most of that time is spent chopping and mixing, which means there’s no waiting around for things to cook.

Optional Chilling Time: If you have time to let it chill for 10–20 minutes, the flavors meld even better, especially the tangy dressing with the sweet apples. But honestly, it’s delicious right away too.

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Tips for Perfect Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

• Use freshly shredded chicken while still slightly warm for better flavor absorption.
• Toast the walnuts to bring out their nutty aroma and crunch.
• Dice the apples last to prevent browning, or toss them with a splash of lemon juice.
• Go light on the dressing first—you can always add more, but you can’t take it back.
• Chill briefly before serving to enhance the flavor blend.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Over-shredding the chicken: Keep it chunky for a better bite and texture.
• Too much onion: Red onion is potent—use it sparingly or rinse it under cold water to reduce sharpness.
• Soggy walnuts: Always toast and cool them first to avoid sogginess in the salad.
• Overmixing: Stir gently to keep the apples and celery crisp.
• Using low-quality mayo: A rich, creamy mayo makes a noticeable difference in taste.

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What to Serve With Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad?

1. Toasted Sourdough Bread

A slice of crusty sourdough topped with chicken salad makes a perfect open-faced sandwich.

2. Butter Lettuce Cups

Use tender lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrap option.

3. Whole Grain Crackers

Serve it as a dip-style spread for an easy lunch or party appetizer.

4. Quinoa or Couscous

Spoon the salad over a bed of grains for a heartier meal.

5. Tomato or Avocado Halves

Stuff the salad into fresh tomato or avocado halves for a nutrient-rich presentation.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The apples may soften slightly, but the flavors develop well.

Avoid Freezing: The creamy dressing and fresh ingredients do not freeze well; freezing will ruin the texture.

Meal Prep Tip: If prepping ahead, keep the apples and walnuts separate until just before serving to maintain their crunch.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s even better after it sits for a bit. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.

What if I don’t like mayo?

You can use Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and sour cream for a lighter twist.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but rotisserie chicken has better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain it very well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the salad itself is gluten-free. Just watch what you serve it with (like bread or crackers).

How can I make this dairy-free?

Skip the Greek yogurt or any dairy-based dressing options, and use a vegan mayo instead.

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Conclusion

This Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that proves fast can still be flavorful and fresh. With a balance of savory chicken, crisp produce, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s a reliable favorite for any meal of the day. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or something tasty to serve friends, this salad delivers every time with minimal effort. It’s healthy, flexible, and deliciously satisfying.

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