If you are searching for a delicious, vibrant, and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, then this Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your new favorite! It brilliantly balances fresh, crisp vegetables with tender roast chicken, all tied together by a zesty, homemade dressing that bursts with flavor. Whether you need a wholesome lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning dish to share with friends, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that make every bite memorable. It is not just quick and easy but also packed with color and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in the final texture and flavor profile. Fresh veggies bring crunch and vibrancy, while tender chicken adds heartiness. The dressing ingredients provide the perfect tangy and savory kick that pulls it all together beautifully.
- 3 cups store-bought roast chicken, shredded: Convenient and flavorful, roast chicken is the protein star here.
- 12 cups cos / romaine lettuce, chopped: Provides a crisp, refreshing base for the salad.
- 1 cup corn kernels, drained: Adds a sweet pop and lovely color contrast.
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced: Offers a mild pungency that perks up each bite.
- 300g cherry or grape tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of freshness.
- 2 cucumbers, halved and sliced: Cool and crunchy, these help balance the salad’s flavors.
- 2 avocados, cut into chunks: Creamy texture lends richness and soften sharp edges.
- 150g bacon, cooked crisp and chopped (optional): Adds irresistible smoky crunch for bacon lovers.
- 2 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar: Brightens the dressing with a pleasant tang.
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Smoothly ties the dressing ingredients together.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a gentle savory depth.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional): Adds subtle sharpness and creaminess.
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs: Enhance the earthy, aromatic notes.
- 1 tsp sugar (optional): Balances acidity for a harmonious dressing.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Amplifies overall flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to finish.
How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by mixing all your dressing ingredients into a jar: cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried mixed herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper. Once sealed, give it a good shake to combine everything well. This dressing tastes best if it has time to sit for at least 10 minutes, letting all the wonderful flavors meld together into a harmonious blend.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded roast chicken, chopped cos lettuce, corn kernels, finely sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado chunks. These fresh components bring a vibrant mix of textures from juicy to crunchy to creamy, making every forkful exciting and full of life.
Step 3: Combine and Dress
Drizzle most of your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything well to ensure each ingredient is nicely coated. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and pour over the remaining dressing for an extra burst of flavor on top. Finally, sprinkle with crisp bacon bits if you choose to include them—you’ll love how the smoky crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado and fresh vegetables. Serve it immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of textures and temperature.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad’s presentation and taste, consider adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty note. For extra zest, a light grating of lemon zest or a few crumbles of feta cheese will make the salad stand out even more.
Side Dishes
This Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up any leftover dressing. For a heartier meal, add a bowl of soup or some roasted vegetables on the side. It also makes a great companion to crisp white wine or fresh lemonade to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just enjoy your salad differently, try serving it in hollowed-out avocado halves or crisp lettuce cups. Layer it in a glass jar for meal prep or picnic-friendly servings, making the salad as visually appealing as it is delicious. These small touches make serving this dish a delightful experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Because of the dressing and fresh vegetables, it is best consumed within 1 to 2 days to maintain crispness and freshness. If you included avocado, keep in mind it may brown slightly but will still taste good.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing given its fresh vegetables and avocado content. Freezing will alter the texture of the greens and creamy ingredients, so it’s best to keep the leftovers fresh and refrigerated instead.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. However, if you want to warm the chicken separately, gently heat it on the stovetop or microwave before tossing it with the fresh salad ingredients and dressing for a warm and fresh combo.
FAQs
Can I substitute the roast chicken with something else?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, but you can also use cooked turkey, grilled chicken breast, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure the protein is shredded or chopped to blend well with the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Omit the chicken and bacon, and replace them with your favorite plant-based protein such as chickpeas or tofu. Also, ensure your dressing ingredients are vegan—swap honey with maple syrup or omit sugar if needed.
How long does the salad stay fresh after mixing?
This salad is best enjoyed right after dressing, but you can keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days. The fresh vegetables are prone to wilting, so it tastes best fresh.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep the veggies and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to maintain the most vibrant textures and flavors.
What’s a good way to add extra crunch?
Adding toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds really amps up the crunch factor. Crispy bacon bits also add a fantastic texture and smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the crisp veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipe truly captures the joy of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something wonderfully satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free yet impressive dish. I encourage you to try it out and customize it with your favorite add-ins—you’ll soon see why it’s such a beloved recipe to keep on hand for any occasion.
Print
Quick and Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings as a main dish
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This quick and easy Chicken Salad is a big, satisfying meal featuring shredded roast chicken, fresh leafy greens, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and optional crispy bacon, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups store-bought roast chicken, shredded
- 12 cups cos/romaine lettuce (2 medium, 1 giant), chopped into bite-size pieces (or other leafy greens)
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned, drained – about 2/3 can)
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 300g/10oz cherry or grape tomatoes (or 2 normal tomatoes chopped)
- 2 cucumbers, halved lengthwise then sliced 1cm / 1/3″ (or 1 long English/telegraph cucumber)
- 2 avocados, cut into bite-size chunks (or 1 giant one)
- 150g/5oz bacon, cooked until crisp then chopped (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced using garlic press (~1 tsp)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or any smooth, non-spicy mustard, optional)
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Place the cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried mixed herbs, sugar, salt, and black pepper into a jar. Shake well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded roast chicken, chopped cos/romaine lettuce, drained corn kernels, finely sliced red onion, halved and sliced cucumbers, cherry or grape tomatoes, and avocado chunks. Drizzle most of the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Serve: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving bowl. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and sprinkle with the crispy chopped bacon if using. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Note 1: Use store-bought roast chicken for convenience, or substitute with leftover cooked chicken.
- Note 2: The cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness; you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if preferred.
- Note 3: The dried mixed herbs impart an herby depth; substitutions like Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil work well.
- Note 4: Sugar is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
