The Best Summer Rotisserie Chicken Salad

When Rotisserie Chicken Salad is on the menu, you just know it’s going to be a good day. Whether you’re juggling back-to-back Zoom calls or just trying to feed picky eaters without losing your sanity, this salad is your new go-to. It’s fresh, hearty, a little sweet, a little smoky, and drizzled in a hot bacon dressing that’s basically liquid gold. And the best part? No raw chicken to deal with—hallelujah for that trusty rotisserie bird from the grocery store!

Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Let’s be real. We all need those magic meals that look gourmet but are secretly super easy to throw together. Rotisserie Chicken Salad hits the sweet spot: it’s satisfying yet light, fancy yet fuss-free. It’s also customizable—great for using up those odds and ends in the fridge. You’ll feel like you just pulled off a lunchtime miracle (because you kinda did).

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into salad nirvana, let’s take a peek at the ingredients. Most are pantry or fridge staples, and the rest? Totally worth picking up on your next grocery run.

For the Salad:

• 2 ears of corn, grilled (or about 1 cup—you do you!)
• 12 to 16 oz spring greens (as much as your salad-loving heart desires)
• 1 rotisserie chicken, meat pulled and chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
• 6 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup pickled onions (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted if you’re feeling fancy

For the Hot Bacon Dressing (oh yes, we went there):

• 3 slices of bacon
• 3 Tbsp reserved bacon fat (aka liquid magic)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp salt

Let’s Get Cooking

Here’s where the magic happens. Spoiler alert: it’s way easier than you think.

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

If you’re making homemade pickled onions, start those the night before or at least an hour ahead so they’ve got time to soak up all that tangy flavor.

Then, grill your corn. You can also cheat a little and use leftover grilled corn or even frozen if time’s tight. No judgment here.

Now chop up your goodies: rotisserie chicken (use white, dark, or a combo!), dates, and corn. Crumble the goat cheese and measure out the almonds. Get your avocado ready too—but hold off on slicing it until right before serving to avoid the dreaded browning.

Step 2: Whip Up That Bacon Dressing

Fry the bacon until crisp and golden. Keep the glorious fat—you’ll need 3 tablespoons of it. If you’re working with lean bacon, toss in an extra slice or two.

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the bacon fat, garlic, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sugar melts and everything emulsifies into a warm, dreamy dressing. Add the crumbled bacon just before serving. Keep it warm on the stove or reheat when you’re ready to drizzle.

Step 3: Assemble and Admire

In a big bowl, toss your spring greens with a pinch of salt and pepper. Layer on the chicken, grilled corn, chopped dates, goat cheese, pickled onions, and almonds.

Add those dreamy avocado slices on top (they’re the salad’s crown jewel), then pour the warm bacon dressing over everything like you’re blessing your meal. It’s okay to shed a happy tear here.

Tips to Make It Even Easier

• Short on time? Use canned corn or microwave frozen corn in a pinch. Still delish.
• Don’t want to DIY pickled onions? Store-bought totally works.
• Goat cheese too tangy for you? Try feta or even shredded sharp cheddar.
• Want to make it ahead? Just wait to add the avocado and dressing until serving time.

A Little Backstory…

This salad first made its way to my table on a busy Thursday night when I had zero energy and even less motivation. I had a leftover rotisserie chicken, some grilled corn from the weekend, and half a log of goat cheese giving me the side-eye in the fridge. What happened next? Pure chicken magic. Now it’s on a steady rotation at our house—especially when I want something quick, satisfying, and downright crave-worthy.

FAQs About Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Salad is the feel-good meal you didn’t know you needed. It’s bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of indulgence (looking at you, bacon dressing). Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a quick lunch between errands, this salad has your back.

So go ahead—grab that rotisserie chicken, toss everything in a bowl, and drizzle on that warm, tangy goodness. You’ve got dinner handled, and it’s going to be amazing

More Flavorful Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of the easy, crave-worthy vibes of this Rotisserie Chicken Salad, there’s a whole lineup of delicious recipes waiting for you to explore. Whether you’re meal prepping, planning a casual family dinner, or just browsing for something new to try, here are a few reader-favorites that perfectly complement this dish.

• For another hearty salad with bold ingredients, don’t miss this BBQ Chicken Salad—it’s smoky, sweet, and packed with texture, just like our rotisserie chicken creation.
• Looking for more ways to use those sweet-savory combos? This Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad is bright, fresh, and perfect for spring or summer picnics.
• If warm, comforting bowls are more your thing, try the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—it brings together grilled corn and chicken in a way that feels like a flavor party in every bite.
• And for those who love all things Mediterranean (and happen to have leftover rotisserie chicken!), you’ll fall for the Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice—it’s cozy, tangy, and ready to transport your tastebuds straight to the coast.

Whether you’re craving smoky, tangy, creamy, or bold, these recipes will keep your weekly menus exciting and stress-free. You’ve got this, chef!

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad is fresh, colorful, and full of bold flavors—from smoky grilled corn and creamy avocado to tangy pickled onions and crispy bacon. Topped with a warm hot bacon dressing, it’s the ultimate easy dinner or hearty lunch!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients:

• 2 ears of corn, grilled (or ~1 cup)

• 12 to 16 oz spring greens

• 1 rotisserie chicken, meat pulled and chopped

• 1 avocado, thinly sliced

• 6 medjool dates, pitted and chopped

• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

• ¼ cup pickled onions

• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

Hot Bacon Dressing:

• 3 slices bacon

• 3 tbsp bacon fat (rendered from above)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp pepper

• ⅛ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Prep the Corn & Bacon:
   Grill the corn if desired. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon fat.

2. Make the Hot Bacon Dressing:
   In a small saucepan, combine bacon fat, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pepper, and salt over medium-low heat. Whisk until emulsified. Stir in crumbled bacon. Keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.

3. Prep Salad Toppings:
   Slice the avocado, chop dates, remove corn from the cob, and crumble goat cheese. Toast almonds if using.

4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, toss spring greens with salt and pepper. Layer on the chicken, grilled corn, dates, goat cheese, pickled onions, and almonds. Add avocado slices on top.

5. Finish and Serve:
   Drizzle the warm hot bacon dressing over the salad just before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Make pickled onions ahead of time (the night before or at least 1 hour prior).
Use leftover grilled corn or frozen corn as a shortcut.
Substitute goat cheese with feta or shredded cheddar if preferred.
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and bacon dressing and use a vinaigrette.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cook (with optional grilling/frying)
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg