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· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and packed with vibrant colors and textures, this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It marries tender shredded chicken with the bold tang of sun dried tomatoes, crisp celery, and a creamy, herby citrus basil dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty snack, or an easy-to-make dish that feels special, this salad hits all the right notes and will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds five distinct layers arranged in separate piles yet close together: shredded light tan chicken at the top left, a thick creamy white sauce with green herb bits spread over the center, small chopped red onions at the bottom left, finely chopped bright green celery at the bottom center, and deep red chopped sun-dried tomatoes at the top right. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a white and gray cloth partially visible under it. In the background, fresh red tomatoes on green stems add a touch of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component plays a vital role, from the juicy shredded chicken adding substance to the sun dried tomatoes bringing a punch of tangy sweetness. Fresh herbs and crunchy veggies introduce layers of flavor and delightful texture, while the creamy yogurt and mayo base create the perfect luscious dressing.

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 deliver an intense, chewy sweetness that transforms the salad.
2 celery stalks, diced: Adds crisp freshness that balances the creamy dressing.
¼ cup red onion, finely diced: Offers a sharp bite and a splash of color.
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt: Brings creaminess with a subtle tang, keeping the salad light.
⅓ cup mayonnaise: Provides richness and helps bind all the flavors beautifully.
¼ cup fresh basil: Fresh herbs brighten the dish with an aromatic, peppery note.
1 garlic clove, minced: Adds savory depth without overpowering the salad.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Offers a zesty kick that lifts all other flavors.
½ tsp salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to the overall taste.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Start by combining the shredded chicken, chopped sun dried tomatoes, diced celery, and finely diced red onion in a large mixing bowl. Setting these flavorful components together gives you a colorful base bursting with different textures that make every bite interesting.

Step 2: Whip Up the Citrus Basil Dressing

This dressing is what truly elevates the salad. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, freshly chopped basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. The mix of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors perfectly complements the savory chicken and sweet tomatoes.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the citrus basil dressing over the prepared chicken and veggie mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every bit is evenly coated, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor from the dressing.

Step 4: Ready to Serve

Serve your fresh Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the celery and the vibrant freshness of the basil. You can pile it on crackers, stuff it into a sandwich, or toss it with leafy greens for a hearty salad option.

How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe

A tall, close-up sandwich cut in half and stacked on a dark gray plate with scattered orange chips around it, set on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two thick slices of toasted light golden bread with a slightly crisp texture. Inside, each half shows a thick layer of chunky, creamy light pinkish spread mixed with small red pieces and green bits on the bottom layer, topped with fresh green leafy lettuce. Above the spread, there is a smooth, white, semi-thick slice of cheese. The sandwich layers look fresh and soft with uneven textures in the spread and a golden crust on the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your salad extra inviting, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves on top for that pop of green and herbal aroma. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few thin lemon zest strips can also add an elegant touch and an extra layer of freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy crackers, pita bread, or hearty whole grain toast. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple soup to round out your plate with warm and comforting elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just spice up your meal routine? Try serving the Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe inside ripe avocado halves or stuffed into crisp romaine lettuce cups for a refreshing twist. You can also turn it into a colorful wrap by rolling it in a soft tortilla with some leafy greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully when chilled, but keep in mind that the celery may lose some of its crunch over time.

Freezing

This particular Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the fresh veggies and creamy dressing, which can separate and alter in texture.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold or at room temperature, there is no need to reheat it. Just give it a gentle stir if it’s been stored in the fridge, and enjoy straight from the container.

FAQs

Can I use grilled chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor and can be shredded or chopped before mixing. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before combining with the other ingredients.

Do I have to use sun dried tomatoes in oil?

While sun dried tomatoes in oil add delicious richness, you can use dry-packed sun dried tomatoes by rehydrating them in warm water first. This will soften them and still give you that concentrated tomato flavor.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

If you prefer to avoid mayonnaise, you can use extra Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative. Keep in mind this may slightly change the texture and taste of the dressing but will still be tasty.

Can I add other veggies to this salad?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots to add more crunch and color. Just adjust the dressing amount as needed to keep everything well coated.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will keep well for about three days. For best texture and flavor, try to enjoy it within this time frame.

Final Thoughts

This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe is a bright and delicious way to enjoy a quick, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and fresh. Once you try it, you’ll love how these simple ingredients come together to create a dish full of personality and zest. Don’t hesitate to make it a staple in your recipe rotation, especially when you want something effortless but utterly flavorful.

Molly

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need