Rotisserie Chicken Taco Salad

Name: Rotisserie Chicken Taco Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup corn (canned or frozen); 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1/2 cup sliced red onion; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 avocado, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; Juice of 1 lime

Highlighted under: Home Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love creating vibrant and flavorful salads that are quick to prepare, and this Rotisserie Chicken Taco Salad is a prime example. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves so much time, allowing me to whip up a delicious meal with minimum effort. The combination of fresh vegetables, zesty taco flavors, and tender chicken creates a filling dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftovers in a fun and exciting way!

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-28T09:01:36.172Z

When I first made this Rotisserie Chicken Taco Salad, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying it turned out to be. I always enjoyed taco flavors, but incorporating them into a salad made it a great lighter option during hot summer days. I found that balancing creamy dressing with the crunchy vegetables really made each bite delightful.

To make it even more flavorful, I added fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, which took the dish to another level. This salad has become one of my go-to meals, and it’s so versatile based on what I have in my fridge!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory flavor from seasoned rotisserie chicken
Crisp and refreshing vegetables
Quick assembly for busy weeknights

Layering the Flavors

When constructing this taco salad, keep in mind that each ingredient plays a role in building the overall flavor profile. The rotisserie chicken is already seasoned, which greatly simplifies the process. For a more pronounced flavor, consider using a chicken that’s seasoned with taco spices. This will amplify the taste and tie together with the taco seasoning in the dressing.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of bell peppers—red, yellow, or orange, for instance, not only add vibrant color but also varying levels of sweetness. The slight crunch from the peppers, combined with the crispness of the romaine, creates a delightful texture that complements the tender chicken.

Customizing Your Salad

This salad is easily customizable based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the salad or the dressing. You can also swap the ranch dressing for a cilantro lime dressing for a fresh twist. The key is to maintain a balance of flavors while adjusting to your taste.

If you're on a low-carb diet, substituting the black beans with diced cucumber or zucchini can lower the carb content while still providing crunch. Likewise, if you want to increase fiber and add more bulk, consider incorporating cooked quinoa or brown rice in place of beans for added texture and nutrition.

Storing and Meal Prep

This Rotisserie Chicken Taco Salad is quite suitable for meal prep. You can prepare the components—like the chicken, veggies, and dressing—up to 48 hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve so the salad doesn’t get soggy. Store the salad ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble them just before meals for maximum freshness.

If you have leftovers, the salad will stay fresh for an additional day in the fridge. However, the avocados will brown quickly, so if you anticipate leftovers, consider adding the avocado only to servings that you’ll consume immediately. To revive the salad the next day, drizzle a little more lime juice over the top to bring back some freshness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your taco salad.

Salad Components

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Juice of 1 lime

Once you have everything, it’s time to toss your salad!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to assemble your taco salad.

Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, mix the ranch dressing with taco seasoning and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.

Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine, rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.

Toss it All Together

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Top the salad with diced avocado and shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Enjoy your quick and delicious taco salad!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or drizzling of hot sauce over the top. You can also customize the salad to your liking by adding other favorite ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a hurry or want to cut down on prep time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be substituted with canned chicken or turkey for similar ease. Just ensure you drain and rinse any canned product thoroughly to avoid excess sodium. To maintain flavor, toss it with a bit of taco seasoning to boost the taste.

For a dairy-free version, replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it altogether. Nutritional yeast can also be a fantastic substitute to add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own, but pairing it with tortilla chips adds a delightful crunch and texture. Alternatively, you could serve it in crispy taco shells for an entertaining twist. For a heartier meal, consider placing the salad on a bed of cilantro-lime rice. This would add an aromatic element that complements the taco flavors beautifully.

If you're preparing for a gathering, consider serving the salad buffet-style, allowing guests to customize their plates. Having a variety of toppings such as jalapeños, sliced olives, or additional dressings will keep it exciting and cater to different taste preferences.

Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers that include the chicken but want to serve it warm, you can microwave the chicken separately before adding it to the salad. Just be careful not to overheat it; a quick 30 seconds on high power should suffice, just until warmed through.

However, avoid reheating the entire salad with vegetables and dressings mixed in, as this can lead to a mushy texture and wilting of the greens. Instead, treat any reheating as an opportunity to refresh your meal rather than to reheat fully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most components in advance, but it's best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad fresh.

→ What can I substitute for the ranch dressing?

You can replace ranch dressing with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette for a lighter flavor.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add whatever vegetables you enjoy, such as cucumbers, zucchini, or even radishes.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply substitute the rotisserie chicken with additional beans or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.