Italian Chicken Salad

Here’s another simple salad that makes use of left-over rotisserie chicken meat. If you’re like me and love eating rotisserie chicken, but always have left overs, then this dish is perfect for you. This tasty and versatile meat combined with roasted red peppers, thinly sliced red onions, fresh parsley, sliced almonds and capers and dressed with simple vinaigrette is an ideal meal to put together on a busy weeknight.  This Italian chicken salad recipe is a light, healthy and very satisfying as well. You may serve this fantastic salad simply with your favorite greens or have it on your favorite toasted bread just like what my family did. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Italian Chicken Salad

To make the most of your Italian chicken salad, consider the temperature of your ingredients. Using cold chicken straight from the fridge can enhance the freshness of your salad. If you prefer warm chicken, let it cool slightly after cooking, then shred it. This salad can also benefit from marinating the chicken in the vinaigrette for about 30 minutes before adding it to the salad. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you find that your salad is too dry, add a little more vinaigrette or even a dollop of pesto for an extra flavor kick. Additionally, adjust the amount of red onion based on your taste. If raw onion is too strong for your palate, try soaking the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This trick helps mellow their flavor without sacrificing the crunch.

Ingredient Notes

When it comes to the ingredients in this Italian chicken salad, quality matters. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the vinaigrette; it adds depth to the flavors. If you have access to fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, feel free to toss some in along with the parsley. Roasted red peppers can be store-bought or homemade. If you choose to roast your own, slice fresh peppers and place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until they are tender and slightly charred. For the nuts, sliced almonds can be substituted with toasted pine nuts or walnuts, depending on your preference. Capers are a key ingredient, bringing a briny pop, but if you’re not a fan, try using chopped green olives instead for a similar salty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Italian chicken salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a light meal, serve it on a bed of mixed greens, like arugula or spinach. If you prefer a more filling option, try it on a toasted baguette or between slices of crusty bread for a delicious sandwich. To elevate it further, add some fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese for a creamy texture. If you want to make it a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables or a cup of minestrone soup. For a picnic or potluck, you can serve it in individual cups or mason jars, layering the salad ingredients for a fun presentation. This way, it stays fresh and easy to grab. Lastly, don’t forget to sprinkle some extra parsley or freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a touch of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar works well as a substitute. Just keep in mind it will add a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 days, but make sure to give it a good stir before serving again.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the vinaigrette until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light soup. It also makes a great filling for wraps if you’re looking for something a bit different.

What if my salad is too salty?

If you find the salad too salty, adding a bit more lemon juice or honey can help balance the flavors. You might also toss in some extra greens to dilute the saltiness.

Italian Chicken Salad

Liza A

Italian chicken salad is a vibrant mix of tender rotisserie chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, crunchy almonds, and zesty capers. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s super easy to whip up!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 -6 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken meat
• 3 big pieces jarred roasted red peppers rinsed, drained and cut lengthwise into thin strips
• 1/2 medium red onion sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup sliced blanched almonds roasted
• 2 tbsp capers with brine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, roasted peppers, red onions, almonds, capers and parsley. Salt and pepper to taste
• Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, honey and mustard in a blender and blend until emulsified. Pour in with the chicken mixture; stir to coat.
• Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

Recipe adapted: 52 Ways to Cook

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Keyword chicken salad, easy meal, healthy recipe, Mediterranean flavors, rotisserie chicken

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