This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Salad has become one of my favorite make-ahead lunches.
Tender rotisserie chicken, nutty wild rice, sweet grapes, crunchy toasted almonds, and a creamy dressing made with light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt come together in a salad that’s satisfying without feeling heavy.
The only thing you need to cook is the rice.
Everything else gets stirred together in one bowl.
It’s the kind of recipe I love most: simple ingredients, flexible enough to adapt to whatever I have on hand, and even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Wild Rice Salad
- Great use for leftover rotisserie chicken
- Perfect for meal prep lunches
- Sweet and savory flavors
- High in protein
- Easy to customize
- Delicious served chilled or at room temperature
- Keeps well for several days
Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice Blend
I usually use a packaged wild rice blend because it’s quick and easy. Favorites include:
- Ben’s Original Wild Rice
- Near East Long Grain & Wild Rice
- Cooked plain wild rice
- Brown rice or farro
Rotisserie Chicken
This is one of my favorite shortcuts. You can also use:
- Leftover grilled chicken
- Poached chicken breast
- Turkey
- Cooked shrimp
Green Grapes
I love the sweetness grapes bring to this salad. Substitute:
- Red grapes
- Dried cranberries
- Dried cherries
- Chopped apples
Toasted Almonds
For crunch and nutty flavor. Walnuts or pecans are delicious too.
Light Mayonnaise
Provides creaminess with less fat.
Plain Greek Yogurt
I usually use a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. But:
- All yogurt works
- All mayonnaise works
- Sour cream also tastes good
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Salad
Step 1
Cook the wild rice blend according to package directions. Cool slightly.
Step 2
In a large bowl combine:
- Cooked wild rice
- Shredded chicken
- Halved grapes
- Toasted almonds
- Light mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
Step 3
Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4
Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.
I actually prefer it after a few hours in the refrigerator. just cooked rice, the dish will be ready to serve warm, or you can chill it first if desired.
Recipe Notes
This recipe is incredibly forgiving.
Sometimes I add:
- Chopped celery
- Scallions
- Diced apples
- Dried cranberries
- Fresh tarragon
- Curry powder
It changes personality completely depending on what you add.
Variations
Curried Chicken Wild Rice Salad
Add:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons curry powder
- Diced apple
- Raisins
Savory Version
Skip the grapes and add:
- Red bell pepper
- Scallions
- Artichoke hearts
- Fresh parsley
Mediterranean Version
Add:
- Feta cheese
- Cucumbers
- Red onion
- Lemon juice
Calories and WW Points
According to my calculations, each 1-cup serving of this salad has 290 calories and 4 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
8 PointsPlus (Old plan)
If you’ve made this Chicken Salad with Wild Rice, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 1 box (6 ounces) wild rice blend (I like either Uncle Ben’s original or Far East brands)
- 3 cups cooked chicken and shredded chicken (I used Costco rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup green grapes, cut into halves or quarters
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the wild rice according to package directions, just until the rice is barely tender.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, grapes, almonds, mayonnaise and Greek yogurt together until well blended.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting ingredients to taste.
- If you use a fresh rotisserie chicken and just cooked rice, the dish will be ready to serve warm, or you can chill it first if desired.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 8 PointsPlus (Old plan) Variations:
- Vegetarian: substitute chickpeas or baked cubed tofu for the chicken.
- Different Meat: chopped turkey would work, as would chopped cooked pork or cooked chicken. It doesn’t have to be the rotisserie kind. Chopped shrimp would work here too.
- Different Herbs and Spices: tarragon, curry powder, etc.
- Different Fruit: golden raisins, cranberries, dried cherries, etc.
- Different Nuts: walnuts, pecans, etc.
- More Crunch: chopped celery, chopped water chestnuts, etc.
- Savory: skip the grapes and instead add chopped red bell pepper, scallions and artichoke hearts, etc.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: The Kitchn
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes.
In fact, I think it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
How long will it keep?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use leftover turkey?
Absolutely. This is one of my favorite ways to use leftover turkey after the holidays.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
More Easy Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken
- Chicken Avocado Salad
This fresh and creamy Chicken Avocado Salad is a perfect blend of tender rotisserie chicken, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a simple soy dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s packed with healthy fats and protein. - Easy Slow Cooker Chicken ala King
A comforting and creamy dish, Slow Cooker Chicken ala King combines tender rotisserie chicken with a simple sauce. It’s a hands-off, cozy meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty, satisfying dinner. - Chicken Orzo Soup with Lemon
This light and refreshing Chicken Orzo Soup with Lemon uses rotisserie chicken for an easy, flavorful base. The tender orzo pasta, combined with the bright, zesty lemon and savory chicken, creates a perfect balance of comforting warmth and citrusy freshness in every spoonful. - Mediterranean Couscous Chicken Salad
Packed with flavors of the Mediterranean, this Mediterranean Couscous Chicken Salad features rotisserie chicken, couscous, fresh veggies and herbs, all tossed in a lemony dressing. It’s a hearty yet light salad that makes for a perfect meal prep option or a fresh lunch.
Quick, easy, tasty: requirements for our casual lifestyle. Added some apple for a distinctive crunch, could have used celery. Homogenous texture is unappetizing to me. Adding this to our favorites.
Hi Toni,
Thanks for sharing your modifications. I love the idea of chopped apple and/or celery for distinctive crunch! ~Martha
Loved! Didn’t toast the almonds and probably should have to get more flavor from them. Added two chopped scallions. I’ll make this one again. Thanks!
I had some rotisserie chicken I needed to use and your recipe came up in a random search. It was delicious! It reminded me of a chicken and wild rice recipe I used to make pre we, but on the lighter side. An added bonus that my husband enjoyed it too. Will definitely be making again.
This dish is easy, simple, and absolutely fabulous! It is now a staple in our household and I plan for it to be a staple to bring to many functions, Thank you so much for this recipe. I enjoy and appreciate all your recipes and knowledge you share with us. You make WW an easy plan to follow.
Thanks Beth!
This is a delicious salad! I used an apple rather than grapes and pecans rather than almonds. I think I will warm it up slightly when I’m ready for the next serving. With no fruit added, I made 4 portions, counting each one as 6 points. I will add the fruit as I eat each portion.
Is this recipe made with the mixture of dark and light meat? What would the points be if only the chicken breast were used?
Is there a way you can just use cultivated wild rice instead of a box?
Sure, you can use whatever cooked rice you prefer. ~Martha
Martha, I love this recipe! What a great use of wild rice! I had a few friends over and made it ahead. Delicious. Will make over and over.
Delicious & easy! 4 Smart points.
Love It!
This is a wonderful salad, that comes together easily. Eat it on a bed of greens and you’ll enjoy a terrific lunch/dinner. Thank you , Martha.