sun dried tomato chicken salad
If you’re searching for a chicken salad that’s anything but ordinary, get ready to discover your new favorite! This sun-dried tomato chicken salad combines tender shredded chicken with savory sun-dried tomatoes, crisp celery, and a vibrant, creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a delicious spread for entertaining, offering a delightful twist on a classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes truly make this salad shine.
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in just 15 minutes, especially with pre-cooked chicken.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, keeping you full longer.
- Versatile: Enjoy it in a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or straight from the bowl.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A sophisticated twist on chicken salad that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable sun dried tomato chicken salad:
For the Salad Base:
- 2 cups (about 280 g) cooked, shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup (75 g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
- 2 medium stalks celery, finely diced (about 1 cup or 120 g)
- ¼ cup (30 g) red onion, finely minced
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ⅓ cup (80 g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- ⅓ cup (80 g) mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (about ½ tsp or 2 g)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper, freshly ground
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: This recipe is fantastic with leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or chicken breasts you’ve boiled or baked. For the best flavor, make sure your chicken is well-seasoned.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed variety for the most intense flavor and tender texture. Draining them well prevents an oily salad. If you only have dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water first.
Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and cuts some of the richness of the mayonnaise, making the dressing lighter. You can use all mayonnaise for a richer salad, or all Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Fresh Basil: Don’t skip this! It adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish. Fresh parsley or dill can be a substitute, but basil is truly key here.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the dressing. Bottled juice isn’t quite the same.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
How to Make
Follow these easy steps to prepare your amazing sun dried tomato chicken salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
In your large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced celery, and minced red onion. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In the small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give it a quick stir and serve your delicious sun dried tomato chicken salad as desired.
Pro Tips
- Prep Ahead: Cook your chicken in advance to make assembly even quicker.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad, and then taste the finished salad to adjust seasonings as needed.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mixture to keep the chicken tender and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Drain Tomatoes Well: Squeeze out excess oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to avoid an overly greasy salad.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken salad is perfect in so many ways:
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Pile it high on your favorite bread, croissants, or in a lettuce wrap for a healthy option.
- Crackers or Crostini: A sophisticated appetizer or snack.
- Salad Bed: Serve a generous scoop over a bed of mixed greens.
- Stuffed Avocados: A visually appealing and delicious serving idea.
- Cucumber Slices: For a light, refreshing, and low-carb option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sun dried tomato chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not typically reheat well, as heating can alter the texture of the mayonnaise and yogurt.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add a wonderful crunch.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a little kick.
- Different Herbs: Try fresh dill or parsley if you’re out of basil, though basil offers a unique flavor.
- Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese would complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- Red Bell Pepper: Finely diced red bell pepper can add extra color and sweetness.
- Lighter Option: Increase the Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise.
Nutrition Information
This sun dried tomato chicken salad offers a good source of lean protein, making it a satisfying and energy-boosting meal. It contains healthy fats from the mayonnaise and beneficial probiotics from Greek yogurt, along with fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. While exact values vary by ingredients and portion size, it’s generally a balanced and nutrient-rich choice for a meal or snack.
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken for convenience. Just be sure to drain it very well and shred it thoroughly.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are recommended as they are softer and more flavorful. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before chopping.
How far in advance can I make this chicken salad?
You can prepare this sun dried tomato chicken salad up to 1 day in advance. The flavors often deepen and improve after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your individual ingredients are gluten-free (check labels, especially for mayonnaise), the chicken salad itself is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
This sun dried tomato chicken salad is a true culinary delight, marrying rich, savory notes with fresh, bright flavors. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet tastes like something you’d order from a gourmet deli. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy every spoonful!
Recipe Card
sun dried tomato chicken salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the salad. Add the shredded chicken, chopped sun dried tomatoes, celery and red onion to a large bowl. Set it aside.
- Make the "citrus basil dressing". Mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and black pepper together in a small bowl.
- Toss. Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggies and mix until fully combined.
- Serve. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or use the salad as a filling for a sandwich.
