Craving something fresh, fast, and full of flavor? This Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad might be the smartest thing you toss together all week. Whether you’re working through a busy lunch hour or need a quick dinner fix, this recipe delivers creamy-crunchy satisfaction in a snap.

Rotisserie chicken makes this salad a no-cook dream, while crisp cucumbers and sweet grapes add layers of texture and juiciness. The creamy herb dressing brings it all together, and a handful of walnuts gives the final touch of crunch and warmth. It’s equal parts comfort and refreshment.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making this chicken salad couldn’t be easier, but the right tools do make it smoother:

Mixing Bowl – You’ll need a large one to hold and mix all your ingredients thoroughly.
Two Forks or Meat Claws – Essential for shredding the rotisserie chicken quickly and evenly.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Crucial for cleanly chopping cucumbers and grapes without bruising.
Rubber Spatula – Best for folding in the dressing without smashing the ingredients.
Serving Bowl or Meal Prep Containers – Ideal if you’re prepping ahead for the week.

These few simple tools ensure this salad stays crisp, balanced, and beautifully mixed in just minutes.

Ingredients for the Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Each component in this salad is thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor and texture. Here’s what makes it all work:

Rotisserie Chicken – Pre-cooked and shredded, it provides a juicy, savory base that saves you prep time.
Red Grapes – Sweet and juicy, they bring a refreshing pop and balance the savory elements.
Cucumber – Adds crispness and a cool bite that lightens the creaminess of the salad.
Walnuts – For nutty depth and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy binder, adding tang or richness depending on your choice.
Fresh Dill or Parsley – Brings freshness and subtle herby notes that brighten the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor.

How To Make the Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

Use two forks or your hands to pull apart the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Focus on the breast and thigh meat for the best mix of lean and juicy textures.

Step 2: Prep the Produce

Slice the cucumber into bite-sized chunks and halve the grapes. Make sure everything is uniformly sized for a balanced bite.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt or mayo with chopped dill or parsley. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, grapes, cucumber, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over the top. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. More dill? A pinch more salt? Make it yours.

Serving and Storing Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is as versatile as it is quick. Serve it chilled on a bed of crisp greens, scooped into lettuce cups, or piled high on toasted sourdough for a sandwich. For a low-carb option, try stuffing it into halved avocados or bell pepper boats.

When it comes to storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.

Can I use something other than rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Grilled, baked, or even poached chicken works well here, though rotisserie chicken adds an unbeatable juiciness and convenience.

What if I don’t have grapes?

No grapes? Try chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even mandarin oranges for a similar sweet element.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative or use an olive-oil based mayo to keep it creamy.

Is it suitable for meal prep?

It sure is. Prep and portion into containers for an easy lunch or light dinner throughout the week.

What herbs work best in the dressing?

Fresh dill is a classic choice, but parsley, tarragon, or even basil can add a new twist depending on your mood.

Want More Chicken Salad Ideas?

If you loved this easy 15-minute creation, there’s a whole world of quick and hearty meals waiting for you.

For another satisfying lunch idea, the Italian Grinder Salad packs savory meats and zingy dressing in every bite. Or warm things up with a bowl of Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup that’s equally comforting and quick.

Need more no-fuss weeknight favorites? The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes, and the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is a handheld classic worth repeating.

Want something cozy but different? Try Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for the ultimate creamy comfort.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your salad or lunch boards for later. Just hit the Pin button.

If you try it, I’d love to hear your twist. Did you swap in apples? Go extra herby? Share your spin in the comments!

And if you’re craving even more daily food inspiration, visit my Pinterest board LadyPlate on Pinterest. I post fresh, doable recipes every day.

Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a quick, no-cook dish that’s full of texture and flavor. Juicy rotisserie chicken is tossed with crisp cucumbers, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in a creamy herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep, light lunches, or refreshing dinners, it’s ready in a flash and stays delicious for days.