Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This rotisserie chicken salad is creamy, crunchy, and ready in just 10 minutes — with diced apple, sharp cheddar, and a lighter tangy sour cream dressing. The perfect high-protein lunch for meal prep, sandwiches, and spring gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ tablespoons sour cream
- 4 ½ tablespoons light mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoon dried tarragon
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon sugar optional but recommended
- 1 apple (Fuji, gala, honey crisp, or Granny Smith) diced
- 1 large rib celery diced
- 3 tablespoons minced red onion
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken white and/or dark meat
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional
- Croissants, sandwich bread, or crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and dried tarragon until combined.
- Add the apples, celery, red onion, chicken, and cheddar cheese (if using) to the dressing and gently fold in until combined.
- Serve the chicken salad on sandwich buns, croissants, or your sandwich bread of choice.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Does not freeze well.
- Make-ahead: Can be made up to 36 hours ahead. Hold the apple until day of if you want it to stay crisp.
- Apple tip: Toss diced apple in lemon juice before adding to prevent browning.
- Shredding: Stand mixer with wire whisk attachment on medium for 20–30 seconds is the fastest method.
- Light mayo: Using light mayo instead of regular keeps this lighter and lower in fat without sacrificing creaminess.
- Sugar: Technically optional, but highly recommended — it adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing beautifully.
- Canned chicken: Works in a pinch — drain and shred well. Flavor will be milder than rotisserie.
- Lighter option: Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream for extra protein.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut or almond milk yogurt in place of sour cream and omit or substitute cheddar.
- Serving: Also great in lettuce wraps, stuffed in avocado halves, or served over salad greens.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/5 serving without croissant or breadCalories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 18gFat: 7gSodium: 314mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
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