Why Make This Recipe
Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious and healthy meal that comes together quickly. It is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and bright lemon juice makes this salad fresh and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a convenient choice for busy days.
How to Make Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (chopped or shredded, or cooked chicken of choice)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon or 2 small lemons)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt (more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (more to taste)
Directions:
- Chop or shred your chicken.
- Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and spinach.
- Add everything to a large bowl with the chicken.
- Top with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss or stir to combine. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Hint: If you prefer a more moist chicken salad, add more olive oil or lemon juice. If you like a creamy chicken salad, feel free to add some plain Greek yogurt to make it creamy!
How to Serve Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Serve the Tuscan chicken salad chilled or at room temperature. It works well on its own, but you can also serve it with crackers, on a bed of greens, or in a wrap. For a picnic or BBQ, this salad is a great addition to any spread.
How to Store Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This chicken salad stays fresh for up to 3 days. If it gets too thick, you can add a little extra olive oil or lemon juice to revive it before serving again.
Tips to Make Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Use cooked chicken from a grocery store rotisserie for quick preparation.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or nuts for an extra crunch.
- For a touch of creaminess, mix in some plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
Variation
You can easily make this salad your own by adding ingredients such as chopped artichoke hearts, feta cheese, or even diced cucumbers for more freshness. Swap out kalamata olives for green olives if you prefer a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken for this salad?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you want an even quicker option. Just drain and shred it before adding to the salad.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I freeze the Tuscan chicken salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fresh ingredients which may not hold up well when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days.
Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Equipment
- large bowl
- small bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated.
- Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir again.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.