Name: Roasted Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded roasted chicken (Can use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken.); 1 cup chopped celery (Alternatives include green onions or cucumbers.); 1 medium diced apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred.); 1 cup halved grapes (Can substitute with diced strawberries or mandarins.); 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (Lightly toasted for enhanced flavor; can replace with seeds for nut-free option.); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Use good quality to enhance flavor.); 0.5 cup mayonnaise (Mix with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use avocado for dairy-free.); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Can substitute with lime juice.); to taste salt (Adjust according to preference.); to taste pepper (Adjust according to preference.)

This Roasted Chicken Salad comes together in about 20 minutes yep, that’s right! You’ll be mixing it all in one bowl for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can switch up the apples for pears or toss in some leftover veggies to make it your own, turning it into a perfect “clean out the fridge” dish! Trust me, this salad is not just a meal; it’s a family favorite that will become a staple in your home.

Ingredient Breakdown

Roasted Chicken
Celery
Apple
Grapes
Walnuts
Dijon Mustard
Mayonnaise
Lemon Juice
Salt and Pepper

Let’s Get Cooking!

Combine the Ingredients : In a large bowl, combine the shredded roasted chicken, chopped celery, diced apple, halved grapes, and chopped walnuts. Mix until everything is evenly distributed, and you can practically feel the deliciousness!
Make the Dressing : In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! You’re going to love how the zesty mustard pairs with the creamy elements.
Mix It All Together : Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. This is also a great time to take a little taste, make sure it’s how you like it!
Serve It Up : You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature, whatever you prefer! It’s fantastic for meal prep, too. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious lunch waiting for you.

Why I Love This Roasted Chicken Salad

Honestly, this Roasted Chicken Salad is my go-to recipe when I have a busy week ahead. It’s comforting, filling, and just plain delicious! I’m a real sucker for salads that have a little crunch and brightness, and this one checks all those boxes. The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. I usually whip this up after a bustling day, and it never fails to nourish my family and put smiles on our faces.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, my Mexican Street Corn Salad, or my Greek Lettuce Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Comes together in just 20 minutes! Perfect for those nights when you want something tasty but just don’t have the time or energy to cook a big meal. It’s truly a lifesaver!

Customizable

The beauty of this Roasted Chicken Salad is that it’s so adaptable! You can really use whatever ingredients you have or whatever is in season, don’t hesitate to swap things out! Whether it’s chicken, veggies, or even the dressing, make it work for you!

Meal Prep Friendly

This salad is ideal for making ahead and storing! You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, which makes it an excellent choice for busy lunches during the week. Plus, it tastes great cold!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

This Roasted Chicken Salad is terrific on its own, but if you want to elevate it a bit, try serving it on a bed of mixed greens or as a filling for a wrap! You could even throw it on some whole-grain toast for an open-faced sandwich. It’s versatile, and the options are endless! Add some sliced avocado and a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extravagant touch.

Storage

If there are any leftovers (which is rare, honestly), store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days, but if you make a big batch, it’s still tasty later in the week, just give it a good shake before serving!

Reheating Instructions

This salad is best served chilled, but if you’d like to warm it up, a gentle reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds should do it. Don’t go too long; you want it to warm but not cook!

Freezer Friendly

While this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the mayo and crunchy ingredients, you can freeze just the roasted chicken ahead of time if you want. Then, just defrost it when you’re ready to whip up the salad!

And there you have it, this Roasted Chicken Salad is bound to become your new favorite quick and easy weeknight dinner. With tons of flavor, a satisfying crunch, and the versatility to mix things up, your family will be asking for it again and again! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!