Did you know that the average household throws away a surprising amount of food every week? So much of what we toss could easily become tomorrow’s lunch or dinner — saving money and helping the planet at the same time.
One of the easiest ways to cut down on food waste is to get creative with leftovers. That’s exactly what happened here — we had rotisserie chicken the other night and ended up with just enough leftover breast for a fresh, flavorful chicken salad.
Make your own
I love making my own rotisserie-style chicken at home — it’s so easy! You can season a whole chicken, roast it in the oven, and have a delicious dinner with plenty of leftovers for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Plus, I always save the bones and carcass to make a plain, nourishing broth. It’s the simplest way to stretch every bit of goodness from one chicken and keep your fridge/freezer stocked with real, homemade flavors.
Here is the Bone Broth recipe
This recipe is proof that leftovers don’t have to feel boring. The creamy avocado mayo keeps it light and wholesome, the apple adds a sweet crunch, almonds bring a nutty bite, and broccoli microgreens add a pop of color and nutrients. If you have dried cranberries on hand, toss them in for an extra layer of flavor.
Why this salad is good for you
- Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which helps you feel full and supports muscle health.
- Avocado mayonnaise gives you healthy fats, which are great for your heart and help your body absorb nutrients.
- Red onion and broccoli microgreens are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation.
- Apples add fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion and immunity.
- Almonds provide protein, fiber, and vitamin E — all good for your skin, heart, and energy levels.
- Dried cranberries (optional) add natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
This chicken salad in is delicious in a lettuce wrap or on a slice of toasted sourdough. It’s an easy way to add more protein and veggies to your day, without any extra fuss — and you can feel good knowing you’ve made the most of what’s in your fridge.
Next time you pick up or make a rotisserie chicken, remember this little trick — sometimes the best meals come from what you didn’t want to waste!
For this chicken salad, you will need:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado mayonnaise (I like the one from Primal Kitchen)
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- ½ crisp apple, chopped (leave the skin on for extra fiber!)
- ¼ cup raw or lightly toasted almonds, roughly chopped
- A handful of broccoli microgreens (or any fresh microgreens you have)
- Optional: a small handful of dried cranberries for extra sweetness
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, and diced red onion. Add the chopped apple and almonds. Gently mix to coat. Fold in the broccoli microgreens last to keep them fresh and crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy as is, serve on top of greens, scoop into lettuce cups or tacos, or pile onto toasted bread!
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