Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained & chopped; 2 celery stalks, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely diced; ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, you’re in for a treat with this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with chewy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp celery, and a tangy yet creamy dressing that brings it all together with fresh basil and a hint of garlic. This delightful salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a versatile dish that works perfectly for a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a light dinner. Let me walk you through the magic behind this recipe that feels both sophisticated and incredibly easy to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds five colorful layers of ingredients arranged separately. Starting from the top left is shredded pale pink cooked chicken, to the right is a pile of dark red diced sun-dried tomatoes, below that is a heap of bright green chopped celery, next to it on the left is finely chopped purple onions, and in the center is a dollop of white creamy sauce with green herb bits mixed in. A bunch of fresh red cherry tomatoes are blurred in the background above the bowl. A woman's hand is holding a white cloth near the bottom right side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe truly sing. Each item plays a crucial role — from the juicy, shredded chicken that forms the hearty base to the sun-dried tomatoes that add a pop of tangy sweetness, and the fresh basil that ties everything together with herbal brightness.

2 cups shredded chicken: Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience and tenderness.
½ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained & chopped: These beauties add a rich, fruity tang and chewy texture to the salad.
2 celery stalks, diced: Celery provides a refreshing crunch and balances the creamy dressing.
¼ cup red onion, finely diced: Adds a mild sharpness and slightly sweet bite, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt: Offers creamy moisture and a subtle tang while keeping the salad light.
⅓ cup mayonnaise: For extra richness and smooth texture that clings to every ingredient.
¼ cup fresh basil: Chopped finely, fresh basil brings bright herbal notes that elevate the entire dish.
1 garlic, minced: Just a hint of garlic warms up the dressing without overpowering it.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: This splash of citrus adds freshness and balances the creamy elements.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A light peppery kick to keep things interesting.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

Start by placing the shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced celery, and finely diced red onion into a large mixing bowl. This colorful combination lays the foundation for the salad, giving you a mix of soft, chewy, and crunchy elements that create an exciting texture profile.

Step 2: Make the Citrus Basil Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is the heart of the Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe — creamy yet tangy, luscious but balanced with herbal brightness. Mixing these ingredients until smooth ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the citrus basil dressing over the chicken and veggies in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats every piece of chicken and vegetable. The goal is a harmonious blend where every forkful has a perfect mix of tender chicken, succulent tomatoes, crunch from the celery, and mellow onion.

Step 4: Ready to Serve

Once mixed, the salad is ready to enjoy immediately. The freshness really shines at this point, making it an ideal quick meal or snack option. If you want, refrigerate it briefly to let those flavors meld even further before serving.

How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe

A close-up of a sandwich cut in half and stacked, showing two layers of thick, toasted bread with a light golden-brown crust. Each layer holds a creamy filling mixed with small chunks of red sun-dried tomatoes and hints of green herbs. Between the layers of filling are slices of white cheese with a smooth texture. The sandwich sits on a dark plate with some scattered orange and white chips around it. The background features a white marbled surface and a blurred bowl of chips in the distance, with soft natural light highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra touch, I love adding a few torn basil leaves on top or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. A handful of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds can introduce a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the salad’s creamy texture.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crisp crackers, crusty baguette slices, or even wrapped inside a warm pita bread. If you’re aiming for a more substantial meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Spoon the salad onto a bed of mixed greens or stuff it inside ripe avocado halves for a colorful and nutritious presentation. You can also serve it as a filling in lettuce cups or as a topping on crostini for appetizers that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness, and before serving again, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the texture of the mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressing can separate upon thawing. For best quality, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm meal, consider serving the salad alongside warm bread or gently warming the chicken separately before mixing, but avoid heating the entire salad as it may lose its lovely texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes that are not in oil?

Yes, you can use dry sun-dried tomatoes, but be sure to rehydrate them in warm water for about 10 minutes and drain well to soften them before chopping. Tomatoes packed in oil will add extra richness and flavor without extra effort.

Is it okay to substitute mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! Using all Greek yogurt will reduce the fat content and add tanginess, but you may lose some creaminess that mayonnaise provides. You can balance it by adding a little olive oil if you like.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While this recipe centers around chicken, you can swap the shredded chicken for plant-based alternatives like chickpeas or marinated tofu to create a delightful vegetarian version with the same robust flavors.

How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

This chicken salad is best made a few hours ahead or the day before for flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and stir before serving.

What are some good bread choices for sandwiches using this salad?

Soft sandwich breads like ciabatta, sourdough, or whole grain buns work wonderfully. They hold the filling well and complement the tangy and savory flavors of the Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s simple enough for a weekday lunch yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The balance of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy dressing creates a flavor profile that feels both fresh and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your recipe collection!

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need