Chopped Chicken Salad Meal Prep Bowls for Busy Weeks (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Name: Chopped Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups rotisserie chicken (chopped); 4 cups iceberg lettuce (chopped); ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ cup cucumber (diced); ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1 ripe avocado (diced); 4 slices cooked bacon (chopped); ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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A chopped chicken salad doesn’t need much work to taste fresh and satisfying, and this one proves it. Using rotisserie chicken keeps things straightforward, and the rest of the ingredients are basic items you probably buy often. Everything comes together with a quick homemade honey mustard dressing that adds just the right amount of tang. It’s an easy, no-cook meal that feels put-together, and is ideal for lunches, fast dinners, or a make-ahead option for the week.

a vibrant, freshly prepared Chopped Salad served in a teal blue bowl. The salad is composed of uniformly diced ingredients, including shredded lettuce, pieces of cooked chicken, diced avocado, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes. The salad is lightly tossed in a clear vinaigrette dressing. A bowl of dressing and a knife and fork are visible in the soft-focus background, suggesting a light, healthy lunch.

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This salad combines everything you love about a classic chopped salad: crunch, color, and plenty of flavor, with a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing. It’s a family favorite that comes together in just 15 minutes using rotisserie chicken, making it a perfect go-to for busy days.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Ready in just 15 minutes, no cooking required!
Uses simple, fresh ingredients for a crisp and flavorful salad.
High in protein and fiber for a balanced meal.
Versatile, great for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner.
Pairs perfectly with almost any dressing if you want to switch it up.

Overhead shot of two teal bowls filled with a colorful chopped salad, featuring mixed lettuce, diced chicken, bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. A small cup of vinaigrette dressing and a set of forks are visible on the marble surface.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Chopped Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Overhead shot showing the first step of building a chopped salad: a large white bowl containing a base layer of shredded lettuce topped with halved cherry tomatoes. Surrounding the bowl are smaller bowls of diced cucumber, red onion, crumbled cheese, cooked chicken, bacon bits, and avocado.

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, bacon, and shredded chicken. Toss lightly to mix everything together.

Overhead close-up of a small white bowl containing a well-mixed, emulsified vinaigrette dressing, appearing yellow-gold with specks of black pepper and possibly mustard, ready to be poured over a salad.

Step 2: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Overhead shot of a teal bowl filled with a fully tossed chopped chicken salad, showing the mixed ingredients (lettuce, chicken, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, and onion) coated in a light vinaigrette dressing. A second bowl of salad and a container of dressing are visible in the foreground.

Step 3: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately..

Expert Tips to make

Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds rich flavor.
Keep it crisp: Add dressing only before serving to prevent sogginess.
Make it heartier: Add cooked pasta, quinoa, or chickpeas for extra substance.
Dairy-free option: Skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Meal prep tip: Store dressing separately in a small jar and shake before using.

Serving Ideas & Variations

Wrap it up: Turn leftovers into a chicken salad wrap or pita pocket.
Add more greens: Mix in baby spinach or kale for more texture.
Extra crunch: Add roasted nuts or seeds on top.
Swap the protein: Try grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
Sweet twist: Add diced apples or dried cranberries for balance.

Chopped Chicken Salad FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep and store all ingredients separately in airtight containers. Combine with dressing right before serving.

Can I use a different dressing?

Definitely! This salad also pairs beautifully with ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or lemon tahini dressing.

Can I swap hoisin for another sauce?

Iceberg or romaine lettuce offers the best crunch, but mixed greens work great too.

How long does it last?

Without dressing, up to 2 days in the fridge. Once dressed, best enjoyed fresh.

Tried this Chopped Chicken Salad? Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out. Your feedback helps others find and enjoy it too!

Chopped Chicken Salad

This chopped chicken salad is crisp, bright, and satisfying, built around tender chicken and a simple honey mustard dressing that brings everything together. The mix stays light but filling, making it a good option for quick lunches or easy dinners. It also fits naturally into a low-carb routine and holds up well for meal prep when the dressing is added just before serving.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Serving Size 4

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar for dressing
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cups rotisserie chicken chopped
4 cups iceberg lettuce chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
½ cup cucumber diced
¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado diced
4 slices cooked bacon chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Honey Mustard Dressing

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Add the lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and bacon to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the feta over the top.
Whisk the Dijon, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and fully combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience; leftover grilled or baked chicken works too.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, corn, or cooked pasta if you want a heartier salad.
Prep ahead by chopping all ingredients except avocado; add avocado just before serving.
The dressing can be doubled and stored refrigerated for up to 5 days.