Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad (Print Version)

Protein-packed chicken salad with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, and creamy basil-garlic dressing.

# Components:

→ Chicken & Vegetables

01 - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, from rotisserie or poached breast
02 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

→ Dressing

05 - 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
06 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
08 - 1 garlic clove, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Place shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced celery, and red onion in a large mixing bowl. Toss ingredients together to distribute evenly.
02 - Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy basil-garlic dressing.
04 - Taste the salad and add additional salt or pepper if desired. The flavors will intensify after chilling.
05 - Serve immediately in sandwiches, pita bread, or with crackers. For enhanced flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The Greek yogurt lightens the dressing while keeping it creamy, so you never feel weighed down after eating it
  • Sundried tomatoes pack such concentrated flavor that you dont need much else to make this memorable
  • It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, making it perfect meal prep material
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that watery chicken ruins this salad, so if youre poaching chicken, pat it dry before shredding or youll end up with a puddle at the bottom of the bowl
  • Sundried tomatoes packed in oil are infinitely better than the dry kind, but drain them thoroughly or the oil will separate from your dressing
  • The salad firms up in the refrigerator, so what seems slightly too wet at room temperature will be perfect after chilling
03 -
  • Use kitchen shears to chop the sundried tomatoes right over the bowl to save on dirty dishes and catch all that flavorful oil
  • If the dressing feels too thick, let it sit for 5 minutes before adding more liquid, as the lemon juice will thin it as it incorporates
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