Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad Recipe

When I first made this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad, I was blown away by how it elevated a simple lunch staple into something that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian café! Combining tender shredded chicken with sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and crisp celery creates a wonderful mix of textures in every single bite.

The citrus-basil dressing brings everything together with a bright, herbal pop that keeps you coming back for more. I love keeping a batch of this in my fridge for quick, effortless weekday lunches that feel special. You are going to fall in love with how fast, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful this recipe turns out!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh, vibrant ingredients to whip up your chicken salad and homemade citrus basil dressing.

• 2 cups shredded chicken: Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a quick, tender, and juicy protein base. 
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained & chopped): Brings a rich, concentrated, sweet and tangy Mediterranean flavor profile. 
• 2 celery stalks (diced): Delivers a fresh, satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken.
• ¼ cup red onion (finely diced): Adds a sharp, vibrant bite and subtle sweetness to the salad mix. 
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt: Provides a thick, tangy, and protein-rich base that keeps the dressing lighter. 
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise: Adds a silky, creamy richness that balances the tangy Greek yogurt.
• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped): Infuses the dressing with a bright, sweet, and aromatic herbal fragrance. 
• 1 garlic clove (minced): Delivers a pungent, savory punch that rounds out the dressing. 
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brings a splash of zesty citrus acidity to elevate and brighten all the flavors. 
• ½ tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the savory notes of the chicken and fresh herbs. 
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild, subtle warmth to round out the seasoning.

Note: Yields 4 generous servings, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salad bowls.

Variations

Check out these easy ingredient swaps to customize your chicken salad for different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap the plain Greek yogurt for an equal amount of dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise to keep the dressing rich and creamy.
• Nutty Crunch Boost: Fold in ⅓ cup of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds right before serving for extra texture and a rich, buttery flavor.
• Cheese Add-In: Stir in ¼ cup of crumbled feta or freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to enhance the Mediterranean vibe.

Cooking Time

Here is a quick timing breakdown to help you plan your preparation smoothly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Having these basic kitchen items ready will make assembling this easy meal completely effortless.

• Large Bowl: Used to combine the shredded chicken, diced veggies, and sun-dried tomatoes cleanly.
• Small Bowl & Whisk: Used to blend the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh basil, and seasonings into a smooth dressing.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Used to quickly dice the celery, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
• Rubber Spatula: Used to fold the citrus basil dressing evenly into the chicken mixture without breaking up the meat too much.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to chop your ingredients, whisk the dressing, and toss your salad together.

Prep the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the 2 cups of shredded chicken, ½ cup of drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 diced celery stalks, and ¼ cup of finely diced red onion. Toss them together lightly so the ingredients are evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside while you work on the dressing.

Make the Citrus Basil Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the ⅓ cup of plain Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk vigoriously until the dressing is completely smooth, creamy, and uniform throughout.

Toss and Combine

Pour the prepared citrus basil dressing directly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently mix and fold everything together until the chicken and veggies are thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken salad immediately while fresh, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy it served alongside your favorite crispy crackers or stuffed into a delicious sandwich!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are a few personal tricks I pick up whenever I whip up a batch of this flavorful chicken salad.

• I recommend using warm or room-temperature shredded rotisserie chicken because it absorbs the creamy citrus basil dressing much better than cold chicken.
• Make sure you drain the sun-dried tomatoes well before chopping so the excess oil doesn’t make your salad dressing feel greasy.
• I found that letting the assembled salad rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes gives the garlic and fresh basil time to deeply infuse into the chicken.
• If you plan on eating this over several days, keep extra fresh basil on hand to sprinkle over top right before serving to keep that bright green color pop.

How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad?

Discover fun ways to present and serve this versatile chicken salad for lunch or gatherings.

I love scooping this sun-dried tomato chicken salad between two slices of toasted sourdough or brioche with fresh arugula for an incredible sandwich. For a lighter, low-carb lunch, spoon generous portions into butter lettuce cups, avocado halves, or over a bed of mixed salad greens. If you are hosting a gathering, arrange the chicken salad in a serving bowl surrounded by butter crackers, pita chips, or sliced cucumbers for an easy dip!

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated breakdown of nutritional values per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fat: 18 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Learn how to store and prep your chicken salad so it stays fresh and flavorful for days.

Refrigerating Guidelines

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Give the salad a quick stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

Freezing Guidelines

Freezing this chicken salad is not recommended because the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh celery will break down and separate upon thawing, turning the salad watery and soft.

Reheating Guidelines

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. If it feels a bit firm straight from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes before serving to let the creamy dressing soften up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are the top reasons why this sun-dried tomato chicken salad will become your new favorite lunch go-to:

• No-Cook Convenience: Uses pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, allowing you to whip up a gourmet meal in just 15 minutes without turning on the stove.
• Vibrant Mediterranean Flavor: Combines sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and zesty lemon for a bright, gourmet taste that beats basic chicken salad.
• Lighter Creamy Dressing: Blending Greek yogurt with mayonnaise keeps the dressing delightfully rich while adding extra protein and cutting down on heavy fats.
• Versatile Meal Prep: Works effortlessly as a sandwich filling, cracker dip, or salad topper, making your weekday lunches exciting and easy.