Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad: 4 Delicious Ways to Serve It

If you’re anything like me, your fridge has at least one container of shredded chicken waiting to be turned into something fabulous—or forgotten about (we’ve all been there). Enter your new lunchtime BFF: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad. Bursting with bright, tangy, creamy goodness and enough crunch to make you feel like you’re eating something way fancier than leftovers, this salad is your secret weapon for busy days, picky eaters, and those “I don’t know what to eat” moments.

This is one of those recipes that looks like it took effort, but really, it’s all about mixing a few pantry and fridge staples and calling it a gourmet meal. It’s fast. It’s flavorful. And it’s flexible. Let’s dive into the magic!

Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad

This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad is more than just a protein-packed lunch—it’s your midday mood booster. With juicy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Greek yogurt and mayo, fresh herbs, and crunchy veggies, it hits all the right textures and flavors.

✔️ It’s meal-prep friendly (hello, Sunday batch cooking).
✔️ It’s endlessly versatile—serve it on crackers, in wraps, on toast, or straight from the bowl.
✔️ It’s secretly healthy-ish—Greek yogurt adds protein and cuts down the heaviness.
✔️ It’s FAST. You can go from zero to lunch hero in under 20 minutes if your chicken’s already cooked.

Plus, it just feels like something you’d find in a chic café…but better, because you made it yourself (and didn’t spend $13 on it).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this salad sing:

• Shredded chicken: Homemade or store-bought—no judgment here. (Scroll down for my quick how-to on making shredded chicken from scratch!)
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Go for the julienne cut—trust me, your knife (and your patience) will thank you.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of our dressing.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang, protein, and keeps things lighter.
• Celery: For that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Red onion: A sweet sharpness that balances the creaminess. (Green onions work too!)
• Garlic: Just one clove brings the flavor home.
• Fresh basil: This bright, herby note takes your salad from “meh” to “more, please.”
• Lemon juice: A splash of citrus to wake up the flavors.
• Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning to tie it all together.

Scroll Down to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements, complete nutritional details, and step-by-step instructions.

How To Make Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad

You’re just five steps away from flavor-town. Here’s how we do it:

1. Prep Your Chicken

If you’re going the homemade route, cook and shred your chicken using two forks—nothing fancy. If you’re using store-bought (I see you, Costco rotisserie lovers), just break it into smaller pieces and toss it into a big mixing bowl.

2. Chop the Veggies

Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and give them a rough chop. Dice the celery and red onion finely for maximum crunch without overwhelming the bite. Add them all to your bowl of chicken.

3. Make the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. You’ll get a creamy, citrusy, herby dressing that smells like summer.

4. Toss to Coat

Pour the dressing over your chicken and veggie mix, then toss until everything is coated and looking delicious.

5. Serve It Up

This salad shines in so many ways:
– Load it onto toast for a killer open-faced sandwich.
– Stuff it in a wrap with a handful of greens.
– Scoop it with crackers when you need a quick snack board moment.
– Or just grab a fork and eat it straight from the bowl—no judgment.

A Little Chicken Story (Because We’re Friends Now)

So I originally whipped up this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad as a clean-out-the-fridge experiment before a beach day with my sisters. I was this close to making plain old chicken salad, but those sun-dried tomatoes were calling to me—and thank goodness I listened. We ended up eating the whole bowl with pita chips before we even packed the cooler.

Now it’s on regular rotation at my house. My kids love it. My husband tries to “taste-test” half the bowl. It’s a vibe.

Quick Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the fresh basil! Dried basil just won’t cut it here—it’s like swapping heels for flip-flops at a wedding.
• Make it ahead. This salad actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge. Perfect for next-day lunches.
• Need it dairy-free? Swap the Greek yogurt for more mayo or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Want a low-carb option? Serve it in lettuce wraps or eat it with cucumber slices instead of crackers.
• Add-ins that work: Chopped walnuts, feta cheese, or even a handful of baby spinach.

FAQs About Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad

Let’s Make Lunch Magical

Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, planning a weekend picnic, or just trying to eat something that feels a little more “put together” than peanut butter toast, this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad is here to save the day.

Bright, creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor—it’s a little bowl of happiness that you’ll come back to again and again.

Want more chicken magic? Follow along on Pinterest or sign up for my newsletter for more easy, flavor-packed recipes straight from my kitchen to yours!

Delicious Recipes to Try Next

If this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad left you craving more bold flavors and satisfying bites, I’ve got a few more favorites that pair beautifully with this dish or make for tasty variety in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re hosting a lunch, prepping for the week, or looking for cozy fall flavors, these recipes are right at your fingertips:

• For a comforting and cozy dinner, this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo brings creamy, spicy flavor with minimal cleanup—perfect after a long day.
• Want to keep the Mediterranean vibes going? You’ll love the Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash. It’s hearty, seasonal, and oh-so-satisfying.
• If you’re serving your salad for lunch and want a sweet-and-savory sandwich option too, this Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese is a melty match made in heaven.
• And for another chicken salad twist, don’t miss my Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad—it’s tangy, crunchy, and just the right kind of addictive.

Each one brings something special to the table, and together, they’ll turn your weekly meal planning into a flavor-packed adventure.

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