I’ve been on a salad kick lately, but I was craving something a bit different from my usual go-to recipes. So today, I decided to shake things up with a chopped chicken salad that’s both fresh and satisfying.

Discover a vibrant chopped chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for a fresh, healthy meal. This easy-to-make salad features crisp veggies, tender chicken, and a delicious dairy-free ranch dressing. Ideal for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients:

1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved
1 ear of corn, boiled for about 10 minutes, then kernels removed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
1 ripe avocado, sliced
Dairy-free ranch dressing (recipe below)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the romaine lettuce and placing it in a large salad bowl. Trim and halve the sugar snap peas, and add them to the bowl. Remove the kernels from the boiled corn and add them as well.
Add Freshness: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and toss them into the salad. Add a handful of chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate Protein: Shred or chop the leftover rotisserie chicken and add it to the salad. The chicken adds a satisfying protein boost and makes the salad more filling.
Top It Off: Slice the avocado and arrange it on top of the salad for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle with your favorite dairy-free ranch dressing. If you’re using a homemade ranch dressing, just mix together some plant-based mayo, a splash of lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a touch of salt and pepper to taste.
Mix and Enjoy: Toss everything together gently so that the flavors mix but the avocado remains mostly intact. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crunchy goodness!

Storage Tips:

Store Components Separately: To keep your salad fresh and crisp, store the chopped romaine, sugar snap peas, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro separately from the chicken and avocado. Mix them together only when you’re ready to eat.
Avocado Tips: If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time and want to keep the avocado from browning, store it separately and add it just before serving. If you’ve already mixed it in, a splash of lemon or lime juice on the avocado can help prevent browning.
Dressings: Keep the dairy-free ranch dressing in a separate container. Dress your salad just before eating to avoid sogginess.
Refrigeration: Store all components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad should stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored properly.

Recipe Additions or Variations:

Add Some Crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts for an extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
Swap Proteins: If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, try adding cooked chickpeas or grilled shrimp as an alternative protein source. Both add a different flavor and texture to the salad.

The Moment of Truth:

Grab a bite with a bit of everything—avocado, chicken, and a touch of ranch. Trust me, this combination is a winner! The crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, and creamy avocado make every bite delicious and satisfying.