Quick and Easy Rotisserie Chicken Wild Rice Salad

Simple and delicious, this easy rotisserie chicken salad with wild rice has quickly become a new favorite at our house. The only thing that needs to be cooked is the wild rice blend (I like either Uncle Ben’s or Far East brands), provided you’ve got eftover rotisserie chicken on hand.

We’re definitely not the only ones enjoying this dish! I recently received this comment in my inbox:

“Hi Martha, Just made the easy chicken and wild rice dish for dinner. It was fantastic—so delicious and easy! Great on a hot night. Dinner was a huge success. This recipe is a keeper!” – Thanks, Denise

Ingredients & Substitution

• Wild rice blend (I like either Uncle Ben’s original or Far East brands) – A hearty and nutritious mix of wild rice and white rice, this blend offers a chewy texture and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes. It cooks up easily and adds a nutty richness to your salad.
• Cooked and shredded chicken – (I used Costco rotisserie chicken) – Tender, flavorful chicken that’s already cooked and ready to use. Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient, while adding a juicy, savory protein to the salad.
• Green grapes, cut into halves or quarters – Sweet and juicy, green grapes provide a burst of freshness and a light, tart contrast to the rich flavors in this dish. Cutting them into halves or quarters ensures the perfect bite-sized pieces for the salad.
• Sliced almonds, toasted – add a crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, balancing the creaminess of the mayonnaise and yogurt. They bring a delicious crunch to each bite, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Light mayonnaise – A creamy, tangy base for the dressing, light mayonnaise helps keep the calorie count down while still providing the classic, smooth texture that binds the salad together.
• Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt – Rich and creamy, non-fat Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to sour cream or regular mayo. It adds protein and a slight tang, making the dressing lighter and fresher while keeping it creamy and satisfying.
• Salt and pepper to taste – A simple seasoning duo that brings out the flavors of the ingredients. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken, grapes, and almonds to shine.

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)

How to Make Chicken & Wild Rice Salad

1. Cook the wild rice according to package directions, just until the rice is barely tender.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, grapes, almonds, mayonnaise and Greek yogurt together until well blended.
3. 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.

Recipe Notes

I used half light mayonnaise and half plain non-fat Greek yogurt but all of one or the other would be fine. This yummy chicken and wild rice salad can be amended a multitude of ways to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:

Recipe 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 or curry powder would work well.
• 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.

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.

Source: The Kitchn

More Favorite WW Friendly Recipes Using Leftover 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.