Zesty Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Zesty Rotisserie Chicken Salad combines the succulent flavors of tender rotisserie chicken with a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying meal. Enhanced with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. The additional layer of flavor from minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and optional capers elevates this dish to new heights. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this recipe not only delivers delightful flavors but also includes a generous portion of vinaigrette that can be saved for future salads. With vibrant colors and textures, this salad is sure to please and can be easily adjusted to fit your taste preferences.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotisserie-cooked chicken
3 cups (cut up)
romaine lettuce
4 cups (torn)
red onion
1/4 cup (julienne)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup (cut in half)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
cucumber
1/2 cup (diced)
balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
water
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
light brown sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
capers
1 tablespoon (drained and finely chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a screw-top jar, combine balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, water, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, minced garlic, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
2
In a large salad bowl, mix together the torn romaine lettuce, cut-up rotisserie chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, julienned red onion, and chopped celery.
3
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
If using capers, sprinkle them on top and give the salad another gentle toss.
5
For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
9g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Rotisserie Chicken Salad?
It is a refreshing salad combining tender rotisserie chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of cut-up rotisserie-cooked chicken for ease and flavor.
How do I prepare the balsamic vinaigrette?
Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, water, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic, and pepper in a jar and shake well.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content of this chicken salad?
The salad provides 17g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of torn romaine lettuce for its crisp texture.
How much garlic is needed for the dressing?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves for the vinaigrette.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of drained and finely chopped capers can be added as an optional topping.
How should the red onion be cut?
The red onion should be prepared julienne style, requiring about 1/4 cup.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half.
Does the dressing contain mustard?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard to add depth and tang.
Is there sugar in the vinaigrette?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of light brown sugar are included to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I store the extra dressing?
Yes, the recipe makes a generous portion of vinaigrette that can be saved for future salads.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What vegetables provide crunch in this salad?
Diced cucumber and chopped celery provide significant crunch and texture.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Is water added to the dressing?
Yes, 1/4 cup of water is mixed into the vinaigrette to adjust the consistency.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including the optional capers.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a great option for meal prep and quick lunches.
How do I assemble the salad?
Mix the lettuce, chicken, and vegetables in a bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently.
Should I serve this salad hot or cold?
This salad is intended to be served chilled.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the vinaigrette and adjusting seasonings to your preference.
What makes this salad 'zesty'?
The combination of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh minced garlic creates a zesty flavor profile.
How much celery is needed?
You should add 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
How much cucumber is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced cucumber.
What is the prep for the chicken?
The chicken should be rotisserie-cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much pepper is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the recommended bowl size for mixing?
A large salad bowl is recommended to allow for easy tossing of the ingredients.