Save on Pinterest The summer humidity was clinging to everything, and I stood in my kitchen staring at a rotisserie chicken I'd picked up on impulse. My daughter had been asking for something fresh but filling, something that wouldn't leave us feeling heavy in the heat. I started chopping, letting instinct take over, and ended up with this vibrant bowl that's now become our go-to when we want substance without the weight.
Last summer, my neighbor Sarah stopped by while I was tossing this together and ended up staying for dinner. She couldn't believe something this satisfying came together in under 35 minutes, and now she texts me every time she makes it for her family. The way the crunch of cucumber plays against that sharp cheddar and tender chicken just works in ways that feel like happy accidents.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Using rotisserie chicken saves so much time, but grilling your own adds those beautiful char notes that make everything taste better
- Romaine lettuce: I've learned the hard way that drying your lettuce thoroughly after washing prevents dressing from sliding right off
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst with sweetness when you bite into them, creating little pockets of brightness throughout
- Corn kernels: Fresh corn when it's in season is incredible, but quality canned corn works beautifully when you need convenience
- Greek yogurt: The tanginess here creates that ranch flavor we all crave while keeping things lighter than mayo-heavy versions
- Fresh dill and parsley: I've tried using dried herbs in a pinch, but fresh herbs are what make this dressing sing
Instructions
- Prep your vegetables:
- Chop everything into similar-sized pieces so each forkful gets a little bit of everything, creating those perfect bites
- Build the salad base:
- Toss all your salad ingredients in a large bowl, leaving room for the dressing to coat everything evenly
- Whisk the dressing together:
- Combine all dressing ingredients until smooth, tasting and adjusting until it hits that perfect balance of tangy and creamy
- Bring it all together:
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure even the pieces on bottom get their fair share
Save on Pinterest My teenage son, who normally turns his nose up at anything resembling a salad, asked me to pack this in his lunch after trying it at a family gathering. Watching someone discover that healthy food can actually be exciting never gets old, and this bowl has converted more salad skeptics than I can count.
Making It Your Own
Don't be afraid to swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge or what looks good at the market. I've added crispy bacon when I wanted something indulgent, and avocado when I needed extra creaminess. The beauty of this recipe is how it adapts to whatever mood you're in.
Meal Prep Magic
Keep your salad ingredients and dressing in separate containers, and you'll have lunch ready for days. The components stay fresh this way, and there's something satisfying about having something this delicious waiting for you in the refrigerator.
Perfect Pairings
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess beautifully, but an iced tea with lemon works just as well for weeknight dinners. When I serve this at cookouts, it's the first thing to disappear, even next to the grilled mains.
- Grill extra chicken on Sunday to jumpstart your week
- Double the dressing recipe and keep it ready for quick salads
- Toast some baguette slices to serve alongside for extra crunch
Save on Pinterest Some recipes become staples because they're reliable, but others earn their place because they make you feel good about what you're eating. This chopped salad manages to be both, and that's a rare find worth keeping close.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the Greek yogurt ranch dressing keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Mix it fresh just before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture.
- → What's the best way to cook the chicken?
Grilled or roasted chicken breast works best for this salad. For convenience, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds great flavor without extra cooking time.
- → How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
Toss the salad right before serving, or keep the dressing separate and add it just when you're ready to eat. This prevents the lettuce from wilting while the salad sits.
- → Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with regular yogurt?
Yes, plain regular yogurt works as a substitute, though it will create a lighter, thinner dressing. You may need to reduce the buttermilk slightly for better consistency.
- → Is this salad naturally gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check your ranch seasoning label and mayonnaise brand to ensure they're gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
- → What vegetables can I add for variety?
Avocado, crispy bacon, bell peppers, radishes, or broccoli florets all complement this salad beautifully. Add them fresh or cooked based on your preference.