This Lemon Basil Rotisserie Chicken Salad is fresh, bright, and full of flavor. It combines juicy rotisserie chicken with zesty lemon and fragrant basil, making every bite light but satisfying. The crisp greens and a hint of tangy dressing bring it all together into a perfect meal for any time of day.
I love how easy this salad is to throw together, especially when I have a rotisserie chicken ready to go. The lemon adds such a nice pop of brightness, and the basil gives it a lovely herbal touch that makes the salad feel extra special. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick but still tasty and a little different.
My favorite way to enjoy this salad is on a warm day, either on its own or wrapped up in a soft pita for a handheld treat. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even packed up for a picnic. I always find myself coming back for seconds because it feels light but never leaves me hungry.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. If you don’t have this, shredded cooked chicken breast or leftover chicken works well.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the salad. You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a dairy-free mayo if needed.
Fresh Basil: Basil brings a fresh, slightly sweet herb flavor. If you can’t find basil, try fresh parsley or cilantro, but basil’s warmth is unique here.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Lemon makes this salad bright and tangy. Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same freshness.
Sandwich Buns & Greens: Toasted buns add texture and a warm base, but you can also serve this on mixed salad greens or in a pita for variety. Romaine or spinach work well for crispness.
How Can You Make the Creamy Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Perfect?
The secret to a great chicken salad is balancing creaminess with fresh flavors and not making it too dry or too wet. Here’s how:
- Shred the chicken finely so it mixes well with the dressing.
- Add lemon juice and zest gradually, tasting as you go, to get just the right tang.
- Chop basil finely to release its flavor evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper last to ensure the flavors pop.
- Toast buns or bread for a nice crunch to contrast the creamy salad.
Following these steps will give you a fresh, creamy chicken salad with a lovely lemon-basil kick every time. Enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use this to toss everything together smoothly without mess.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – makes chopping basil, tomato, and onion easy and safe.
- Toaster or oven – for toasting buns to give the sandwiches a nice crunch.
- Measuring spoons and cups – keep the ingredients just right for balanced flavors.
- Serving plates or sandwich wraps – ideal for plating or packing this salad for later.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken for a different meat option. It adds variety but keeps the salad hearty.
- Swap basil for mint or cilantro if you want a different herby note that pairs well with lemon.
- Add crunchy celery or red bell peppers for extra texture and color.
- Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a touch of honey to customize the dressing’s flavor.
Lemon Basil Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or rolls, split and toasted
- 4 large lettuce leaves (romaine or spinach)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Time You’ll Need
This fresh and easy salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. Most of the time is spent chopping and mixing ingredients, making it a quick meal perfect for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken Salad
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well blended. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
2. Toast the Buns
Split your sandwich buns or rolls and toast them until they’re lightly golden and a little crunchy. This adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy chicken salad.
3. Assemble the Salad Sandwiches
Place one large lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with tomato slices and red onion rings. Then, spoon a generous portion of the lemon basil chicken salad on top of the veggies.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Add the top bun if you like, or keep it open-faced. Serve your salad sandwiches with lemon wedges on the side for an extra fresh squeeze of citrus. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before shredding. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to prevent sogginess. Give the salad a quick stir before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken salad up to a day in advance for even more blended flavors. Just keep it refrigerated and assemble sandwiches right before eating to keep the bread fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use a dairy-free mayo if you prefer. Both options keep the salad creamy while offering slightly different flavors.