If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious way to celebrate warm weather meals, this Summer Chicken Salad Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s packed with tender shredded rotisserie chicken, juicy red grapes, crisp celery, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing that all come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or preparing for a picnic, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that sparkle with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of simple but vital ingredients make this Summer Chicken Salad Recipe shine, adding layers of texture, flavor, and color that keep things interesting and fresh.
- Rotisserie chicken (500 grams): Using pre-cooked shredded chicken saves time and adds a juicy, flavorful base.
- Red seedless grapes (1 cup): These add a lovely burst of sweetness and juiciness to every forkful.
- Duke’s Light Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy but light, this mayonnaise creates the perfect coating without weighing the salad down.
- Celery (3 stalks): Adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and soft grapes.
- Lemon juice and zest (1/2 lemon): Brightens the entire salad with a citrusy zing that’s crucial for that fresh summer feel.
- Green onion (1/4 cup): Brings a mild, fresh onion flavor that lifts the salad without overpowering it.
- Sweet relish (3 tbsp): A hint of sweetness that complements the grapes and adds a subtle tang.
- Dijon mustard (1 1/3 tbsp): Provides a bit of sharpness and depth to the dressing.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp): This herb infuses the salad with a fresh, slightly grassy note that pairs wonderfully with lemon and chicken.
- Lemon pepper dill seasoning (1 tsp): Enhances flavor with zest and a little peppery kick.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and brings out the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Summer Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by removing all bones and skin from your rotisserie chicken, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Placing the chicken in a large mixing bowl ensures plenty of room for combining the ingredients later.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Add the halved red grapes, chopped celery, green onion, and fresh dill to the bowl with your shredded chicken. Next, pour in the Duke’s Light Mayonnaise, sweet relish, and coarse ground Dijon mustard. Follow this with the fresh lemon juice and zest, lemon pepper dill seasoning, salt, and black pepper for seasoning. This mix of ingredients will create the very essence of your salad’s bright, tangy, and sweet layers.
Step 3: Mix Thoroughly
Gently fold all ingredients together using a large spoon or spatula to evenly coat everything with the flavorful dressing. The key here is to mix thoroughly but carefully—you want every bite to be coated without mushing the chicken or crushing the grapes, preserving that wonderful textural contrast.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld, making the salad taste even better when you’re ready to enjoy it.
How to Serve Summer Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra chopped dill or parsley can brighten each serving beautifully. A few lemon wedges on the side add a vibrant pop and allow guests to add extra citrus if desired. Toasted sliced almonds or crushed pistachios sprinkled on top also give a lovely crunch and a nutty dimension.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce leaves or buttery croissants for a light yet satisfying meal. Fresh fruit like melon or berries can echo the sweetness of the grapes, while a chilled cucumber or tomato salad offers complementary freshness. For a heartier spread, consider crusty bread or pita chips to scoop and snack alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Summer Chicken Salad Recipe in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out avocado halves for a fun and elegant touch. You can also present it atop toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer, or pack it into a mason jar layered with leafy greens for an easy grab-and-go lunch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, though the grapes may release some juice, so it might be best to store the salad separately from delicate garnishes if you’re making it well in advance.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh produce, freezing this chicken salad is not recommended—the texture and flavor can suffer significantly. For best results, enjoy the salad fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
This Summer Chicken Salad Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary and can compromise the creamy texture and freshness that make this salad so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken breast works well, just make sure to shred it finely so it mixes nicely with the other ingredients.
Is there a substitute for Duke’s Light Mayonnaise?
You can use any light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt if you want a tangier and lighter dressing, but Duke’s mayo really adds a nice richness that complements the salad beautifully.
How can I make this salad more budget-friendly?
Using leftover chicken or a whole roasted chicken you prepare yourself can save money, as can using frozen grapes thawed before adding, and a regular mustard if Dijon is not on hand.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?
Yes, chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor, just toss them in before serving to keep them crisp.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?
Definitely! It’s easy to portion out into containers and stays fresh for a few days, making it perfect for a quick, healthy lunch during a busy week.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Summer Chicken Salad Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. The combination of juicy grapes, zesty lemon, fresh dill, and tender chicken is nothing short of magic. It’s a straightforward, quick-to-make dish that feels fancy and fresh, perfect for sunny days and sharing with friends and family alike. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!
Print
Summer Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Summer Chicken Salad combines tender rotisserie chicken with sweet red grapes, crisp celery, and a tangy, dill-infused dressing. It’s a quick, no-cook dish perfect for light lunches or picnics, bursting with fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, bones and skin removed (500 grams)
Salad
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved (165 grams)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (70 grams)
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Duke’s Light Mayonnaise (120 grams)
- 3 tbsp sweet relish (45 grams)
- 1 1/3 tbsp coarse ground dijon mustard (20 grams)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tsp lemon pepper dill seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Remove all bones and skin from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the halved grapes, chopped celery, green onions, and fresh dill to the bowl with the chicken. Pour in the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and sweet relish. Add the lemon juice and zest, lemon pepper dill seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Mix carefully to maintain the texture of the chicken and other ingredients.
- Chill before serving: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavorful cooked chicken.
- Chilling the salad enhances the taste by allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust salt and seasonings to taste if preferred.
- This salad is great served on its own or with fresh greens, bread, or crackers.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
