Ever find yourself staring at a leftover rotisserie chicken, wondering how to turn it into something fresh and exciting? That’s how this healthy rotisserie chicken salad was born—out of necessity, a little creativity, and a whole lot of love for quick, delicious meals. Packed with protein and loaded with crisp veggies, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s the kind of lunch or dinner that keeps you full without weighing you down. Plus, it’s ready in under 15 minutes (plus chilling time—but trust me, it’s worth the wait). Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a no-fuss dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this salad is my go-to. And the best part? It’s so versatile, you’ll never get bored. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken salad—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why:

• No cooking required – The rotisserie chicken does all the work for you. Just shred and mix!
• Packed with protein – With 32g per serving, it keeps you full for hours without the post-lunch slump.
• Creamy without the guilt – Greek yogurt gives that rich texture you love, minus all the fat.
• Crunch in every bite – Crisp apples, celery, and walnuts add the perfect texture contrast.
• Meal prep hero – Gets even better as it chills, making it perfect for lunches all week.

I make this at least twice a month because it’s that good—and that easy. The tangy-sweet combo of ingredients just works every single time.

Ingredients for Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this bright, flavorful salad. I’m pretty particular about getting the textures just right, so pay attention to those dicing sizes—it makes all the difference!

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (I like using both white and dark meat for depth of flavor)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2% gives the creamiest results)
• 1/4 cup diced celery (about 1 medium stalk)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want milder flavor)
• 1/4 cup diced apples (I prefer crisp Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (toast them lightly for extra crunch)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (please don’t use bottled—it matters!)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (my secret flavor booster)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

See? Simple ingredients, but when they come together—magic. Now let’s make it!

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy

Alright, let’s get mixing! This recipe comes together in three simple steps, but each one matters—especially that final chill time (no cheating!). Here’s exactly how I do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Grab a big mixing bowl—trust me, you’ll need the space. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until they’re completely smooth. Now sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust—maybe a pinch more salt or an extra squeeze of lemon if you like it tangy. The dressing should be creamy but not too thick, almost like a loose sour cream consistency. For more tips on healthy dressings, check out this guide to sauces.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Dump in your shredded chicken first, tossing it gently to coat every piece with that tangy dressing. Next, add the celery, onions, apples, and walnuts. Here’s my trick: fold everything together with a rubber spatula instead of stirring aggressively. You want to keep those apple pieces intact and the walnuts evenly distributed without turning the salad into mush. The colors should look vibrant—flecks of red onion, green celery, and golden apples peeking through.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I know, waiting is hard, but this is when the magic happens! The flavors meld, the chicken soaks up the dressing, and everything gets irresistibly cold. When it’s time to eat, scoop it onto butter lettuce cups, stuff it into a whole-wheat wrap, or just grab a fork and dig in straight from the bowl. (No judgment—I do it too.)

Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy

Want to take your chicken salad from good to wow? These little tricks make all the difference:

• Yogurt too thick? Thin it with a splash of water or lemon juice until it coats the back of a spoon nicely—you want it creamy, not gloppy.
• Don’t skip the chill time! Those 30 minutes in the fridge let the flavors get friendly. I’ve even made it the night before—it’s better on day two.
• Sweet tooth? Swap apples for halved grapes or dried cranberries. Craving crunch? Try almonds instead of walnuts.
• Pro tip: If your chicken seems dry, drizzle a tablespoon of chicken broth while mixing—it brings back moisture beautifully.

Play around and make it yours! That’s the beauty of this salad.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe? You can twist it a million ways and it’s always delicious. Here are my go-to riffs when I’m feeling creative:

• Creamy avocado version: Mash half an avocado into the dressing—it adds richness and turns the salad this gorgeous pale green.
• Crunchy almond swap: Replace walnuts with toasted slivered almonds for a different nutty vibe (bonus: they stay crisp longer).
• Wrap it up: Spread the salad on whole-grain tortillas with extra spinach leaves—perfect for grab-and-go lunches.

Honestly? I’ve never met a variation I didn’t like. The base recipe is just that good at playing with others!

Serving Suggestions for Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy

This chicken salad practically begs to be served in fun ways! My absolute favorite is piled high on crisp butter lettuce leaves – the cool crunch against the creamy salad is perfection. For heartier meals, I’ll stuff it into whole wheat pitas or wrap it up in spinach tortillas with extra veggies. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll scoop it onto toasted multigrain crackers for little protein-packed bites. And don’t get me started on how good it is layered with sliced tomatoes on sourdough… okay, now I’m hungry!

Storage and Reheating

This chicken salad stays fresh and delicious for days! Just pop it in an airtight container—I love using glass ones so I can see those pretty ingredients. It’ll keep happily in your fridge for up to 3 days (though mine never lasts that long). No reheating needed—it’s perfect cold straight from the fridge. Pro tip: Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy Nutritional Information

Nutritional values are estimates and vary by ingredients. One generous cup of this chicken salad packs:

• 280 calories – Light but satisfying
• 32g protein – Keeps you full for hours
• 12g fat (only 2g saturated) – All the good kinds from walnuts and chicken
• 8g carbs with 2g fiber – Low-carb friendly

It’s my guilt-free go-to when I want something creamy that won’t undo my whole day!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get questions about this rotisserie chicken salad all the time—here are the big ones that keep popping up from friends and readers:

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?
Technically yes, but oh honey—the flavor won’t be the same! Rotisserie chicken has that slow-roasted depth you just can’t replicate. In a pinch, drain two (10 oz) cans of chicken well and pat dry, but expect a milder taste. My tip? Spend the $5 on a store-bought rotisserie—it’s worth it!

How long does it really last in the fridge?
3 days max is my rule. The yogurt stays stable, but the apples start to brown and the walnuts lose their crunch after that. I make a fresh batch midweek if I’m meal prepping. Pro tip: If you’re adding avocado (yum!), eat it same-day or it’ll get mushy.

Is Greek yogurt actually better than mayo?
For this recipe? Absolutely! Greek yogurt gives that same creamy texture with a delightful tang, plus it packs 15g of protein per cup versus mayo’s… zero. (And about 1/4 the calories!) My husband—a diehard mayo fan—couldn’t even tell the difference once all the flavors melded. But if you’re team mayo, go for it—just use 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup yogurt since it’s richer.

Hearty 15-Minute Rotisserie Chicken Salad Healthy Bliss

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A healthy and delicious rotisserie chicken salad packed with protein and fresh ingredients. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced apples
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shredded chicken, celery, red onion, apples, and walnuts to the bowl.
4. Toss until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain bread.

Notes

• Use plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, low-fat dressing alternative.
• Add dried cranberries or grapes for extra sweetness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: rotisserie chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, high-protein salad, easy lunch recipe