Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; ⅓ cup celery, finely chopped; ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts

Hey y’all! If you're searching for a chicken salad that bursts with flavor and zesty Mediterranean vibes, look no further than this Sun-Dried Tomato chicken Salad. Juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy dressing come together for a salad that's both hearty and refreshingly unique. It's perfect for meal prep, summer picnics, busy lunches, or entertaining friends. Ready to make a dish everyone will rave about? Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Loaded with bold, savory flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and juicy chicken.
Perfect texture—think tender chicken with crunchy celery and creamy dressing.
Easy to make ahead for meal prep, potlucks, or busy weekdays.
Healthy and protein-packed, keeping you fuller for hours.
Super versatile—enjoy on its own, in sandwiches, or lettuce wraps!

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
⅓ cup celery, finely chopped
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using fresh chicken, season and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes, or use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast. Chop or shred into bite-sized pieces. Let the chicken cool to room temperature (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Chop the Veggies & Tomatoes

Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well, then chop into small pieces. Finely dice the celery and red onion, and chop the basil and parsley.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the diced chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, celery, red onion, basil, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently to evenly coat.

Step 5: Add Crunch & Season

If desired, fold in the toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For extra flavor, try using smoked or grilled chicken breast.
Letting the salad chill enhances flavor and texture, so don’t skip this step.
If you prefer a lighter salad, substitute more Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.

Variations

Mediterranean Flair: Add ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
Low-Carb: Serve in lettuce cups or halved avocados instead of bread.
Veggie Boost: Toss in diced cucumber or baby spinach for extra freshness.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Cutting board and sharp knife
Small bowl (for dressing)
Spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as some separation may occur.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Stuff into crusty ciabatta rolls or croissants for a gourmet sandwich.
Spoon into lettuce leaves for a light, low-carb lunch.
Serve over mixed greens or quinoa for a filling salad bowl.

Pro Tips

Finely chop sun-dried tomatoes for even distribution in every bite.
Use high-quality mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture.
Allow flavors to meld by chilling the salad before serving—it's worth the wait!

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and tastes delicious in this salad.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free yogurt or skip the Greek yogurt for an all-mayo version.
How can I make the salad spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4