Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad

Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad brings together bright sun-dried tomatoes and tender shredded chicken in a creamy, lemon-Dijon dressing that you’ll devour in seconds. With crisp celery, zingy red onion, and fresh basil, every bite bursts with tang and texture—perfect for a light lunch, picnic pack-up, or lazy weekend meal you can prep in under an hour.

Key Ingredients

Before we dive into the fun part, let’s meet the stars of this salad. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, zing, and freshness.

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the tangy dressing.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds chewy bursts of sweet-tart flavor for depth.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Lends a sharp, crisp bite and lovely color contrast.
• 1/4 cup celery, diced: Contributes refreshing crunch and mild earthiness.
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy texture that binds everything together.
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightens the dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the mix with zesty, citrusy notes.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Injects a smooth, peppery kick into the dressing.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides savory warmth and subtle depth.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Infuses herbal freshness and vibrant green flecks.
• 4 cups mixed salad greens: Offers a crisp, leafy bed for serving and extra nutrients.

How To Make Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad

Let’s roll up our sleeves and whip up this creamy delight in just a few simple steps! You’ll combine your shredded chicken with colorful veggies, whisk up a tangy, Dijon-lemon dressing, and chill it all to let those flavors marry perfectly. Get ready for fuss-free prep and maximum flavor payoff.

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and diced celery, ensuring even distribution of each ingredient.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

3. Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture, then toss gently with a spatula until every shred of chicken and veggie is fully coated in that tangy goodness.

4. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, tasting and adjusting seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your palate.

5. Cover the bowl tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this step lets all the flavors meld and intensify.

6. Serve the chicken salad over the mixed salad greens, or pile it onto crusty bread, crackers, or your favorite wrap for a satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines on its own or dressed up to suit any occasion. From casual lunches to elegant brunch spreads, here are four fun ways to serve your creation:

• Classic Salad Bowl: Spoon the chilled chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens, drizzle with any leftover dressing, and top with extra basil leaves.
• Hearty Sandwich: Pile the salad between two thick slices of sourdough bread or inside a flaky croissant for a satisfyingly crunchy lunch.
• Crisp Lettuce Wraps: Scoop portions into large butter lettuce leaves, fold like a taco, and enjoy a low-carb, gluten-free handheld.
• Party Platter: Surround a mound of chicken salad with an assortment of gourmet crackers or crostini, garnishing with basil sprigs for a colorful appetizer.

Tips For Perfect Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad

Nailing the balance of creaminess, tang, and texture is easier than you think. These friendly tips will help you customize and elevate your salad every time:

• Can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Substitute smoked paprika for garlic powder to add a subtle smokiness.
• Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter variation.
• Garnish with additional basil leaves for a fresh pop of color.

How To Store It

Keeping your salad fresh and flavorful is a breeze when you follow these storage tips. Proper containers and timing ensure you can enjoy leftovers just as much as day-one prep:

• Airtight Container: Store your chilled salad in a sealed glass or BPA-free plastic container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Separate Dressing: If you plan to eat over several days, keep the dressing in its own jar and toss just before serving to maintain crisp veggies.
• Layering Technique: For meal-prep jars, layer salad greens first, then chicken salad, and seal to prevent sogginess—just invert and serve.
• Freezing Note: While the chicken can be frozen, the yogurt-based dressing may separate. If freezing, keep salad dressing out and stir it back in after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want quick answers? Here are the most common queries about this tangy, creamy chicken salad:

• How long does it take to prepare and chill this recipe?

It takes about 15 minutes to shred chicken, chop sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, celery, and basil, and whisk together the dressing. After mixing everything, you need to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld, making the total time around 45 minutes.

• Can I make the Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad ahead of time, and how long will it keep?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

• What substitutions can I make for a lighter variation?

For a lighter version, you can replace the mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt, which reduces calories and adds tanginess. If you prefer dairy-free, swap Greek yogurt for an equal amount of your favorite plant-based yogurt and ensure your Dijon mustard doesn’t contain any unwanted additives.

• How can I adjust the seasoning if the salad tastes too tangy or too mild?

If it’s too tangy, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to mellow the lemon and mustard. If it’s too mild, stir in a pinch more garlic powder, a dash of salt and pepper, or even a splash more lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust one ingredient at a time for best results.

• Is it possible to swap the garlic powder for another spice to change the flavor profile?

Absolutely. If you’d like a hint of smokiness, substitute smoked paprika for the garlic powder. You can also experiment with a pinch of cayenne for heat or an Italian seasoning blend instead of garlic powder for a herbier note.

• What are the best ways to serve this chicken salad?

You can serve it over a bed of mixed salad greens for a light meal, pile it between slices of crusty bread for a hearty sandwich, or offer it alongside crackers as an appetizer. Garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves adds a vibrant pop of color and flavor.

What Makes This Special

This Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad isn’t your average deli scoop—it’s a flavor party in every bite! The tangy lemon-Dijon dressing perfectly hugs each tender chicken strand, while chewy sun-dried tomatoes and crisp celery add contrasting textures. It’s endlessly customizable, meal-prep friendly, and so quick to assemble that you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Go ahead, print this article, stash it in your recipe box, and dive into a bowl of creamy deliciousness. And if you give it a whirl, drop a comment or question below—I’d love to hear how yours turns out!

Print Recipe

Savory Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad

Author: Jason Brooks Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 240

Description

Juicy chicken strands coated in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing, studded with chewy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp celery, and bright basil. Chilled to meld flavors, it's a refreshing salad that bursts with creamy tang in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded

• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion finely chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup celery diced

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil chopped

• 4 cups mixed salad greens

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and celery.
2. In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the chicken salad over mixed salad greens or with your choice of bread or crackers.

Note

• Can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Substitute smoked paprika for garlic powder to add a subtle smokiness.
• Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter variation.
• Garnish with additional basil leaves for a fresh pop of color.

Keywords: sun-dried tomato chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, healthy chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, greek yogurt dressing, summer lunch salad