This Summer Chicken Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that combines tender rotisserie chicken with crisp veggies, sweet grapes, and a zesty dressing. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors that come together in less than 15 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this versatile chicken salad will become your go-to recipe during warm weather months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: Using a rotisserie chicken eliminates cooking time, meaning this salad comes together in just minutes – perfect for those busy summer evenings when you can’t bear the thought of turning on the oven.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet grapes, crunchy celery, tangy lemon, and savory chicken creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Versatile: Serve it on croissants, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl – this chicken salad adapts to whatever your meal needs.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing ahead for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotisserie Chicken: The star of the show that provides tender, pre-cooked protein without any extra effort. Remove the skin for a lighter version.
Red Seedless Grapes: These add a burst of sweetness and juicy texture that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
Duke’s Light Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing that binds everything together while keeping calories in check.
Celery: Adds essential crunch and a fresh, clean flavor that lightens the entire dish.
Lemon: Both the juice and zest brighten the salad and cut through the richness of the mayo.
Green Onions: Provide a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Sweet Relish: Adds a unique sweet-tangy dimension that elevates the entire salad.
Dijon Mustard: The coarse ground variety adds texture and a sophisticated zip to the dressing.
Fresh Dill: This herb brings a distinctive summery freshness that makes this salad special.
Lemon Pepper Dill Seasoning: A flavor-boosting shortcut that ties all the ingredients together.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Variations

Nutty Twist

Add 1/3 cup toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.

Mediterranean Version

Swap the grapes for halved cherry tomatoes, add diced cucumber, and include some crumbled feta cheese.

Curry Chicken Salad

Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the mayo mixture for a warm, aromatic variation.

Apple Cranberry

Replace grapes with diced apple and dried cranberries for a fall-inspired version.

How to Make Summer Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Remove all bones and skin from the rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prep the Mix-ins

Halve the grapes, chop the celery and green onions, and finely chop the fresh dill. Zest and juice the lemon, keeping both separate.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dijon mustard, sweet relish, dill, lemon pepper dill seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the grapes, celery, green onions, and dressing to the bowl with the chicken. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Chill

For best results, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Chill Time: While you can serve this immediately, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will significantly improve the flavor.
Texture Matters: Cut all ingredients to a similar size for the best eating experience – nobody wants a huge chunk of chicken with tiny bits of celery.
Seasoning Substitution: If you can’t find Lemon Pepper Dill seasoning, make your own by combining lemon zest, black pepper, dried dill, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Mayo Measurement: If you prefer a less creamy salad, start with 1/3 cup of mayo and add more until you reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

As a Sandwich

Pile this chicken salad between slices of sourdough bread or croissants with lettuce for a classic lunch option.

In Lettuce Cups

For a low-carb option, serve scoops of chicken salad in butter lettuce leaves or romaine hearts.

On a Bed of Greens

Turn it into a complete meal by serving a scoop over mixed greens with additional veggies.

As an Appetizer

Serve with crackers, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves for an elegant starter at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge!

Freezing

This recipe isn’t suitable for freezing as mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture.

Meal Prep

Prepare a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for easy lunches. Consider keeping some components separate if making far in advance – you can mix the dressing with the chicken and add the crunchier elements like celery just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can substitute canned chicken in a pinch, though the texture and flavor won’t be quite as good. Make sure to drain it very well and flake it apart before mixing with the other ingredients. Rotisserie chicken provides a more tender, flavorful result, but canned chicken works when you need a truly pantry-friendly option.

How can I make this recipe healthier?
There are several ways to lighten this recipe further. You can replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for extra protein and fewer calories. You could also increase the ratio of vegetables to chicken, adding extra celery or incorporating diced bell peppers for more nutrition with minimal calories. Using a skinless rotisserie chicken also helps reduce fat content.

Why is my chicken salad watery?
Watery chicken salad typically happens when the grapes release juice or when the chicken wasn’t dried properly. To prevent this, pat the chicken dry before mixing it with other ingredients. You can also consider adding the halved grapes just before serving. If your salad has already become watery, drain off excess liquid and add a bit more mayonnaise to bring it back to the right consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is perfect for make-ahead situations and actually improves in flavor after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. If you’re concerned about presentation, you might reserve a few fresh herbs to sprinkle on top just before serving to brighten up the appearance.

This Summer Chicken Salad is more than just another recipe – it’s a solution for busy days when you need something delicious without a lot of effort. The combination of tender chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy vegetables with a bright, creamy dressing makes each bite interesting and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick lunch, serving it at a picnic, or making it ahead for weekday meals, this versatile dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try next time you have a rotisserie chicken on hand – your taste buds will thank you!

Summer Chicken Salad Recipe