Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Salad (Printable Version)

Protein-packed Mediterranean bowl featuring tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium breasts)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
04 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
06 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)

→ Dairy

07 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Nuts

08 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from jar)
11 - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
12 - 1 clove garlic, minced
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified. Set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
03 - Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Scatter crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the top.
05 - Serve immediately at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for a chilled version.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dressing practically makes itself using the seasoned oil straight from the sun dried tomato jar, which means zero waste and double the flavor.
  • It holds up beautifully in the fridge for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep without getting soggy or sad.
02 -
  • Do not skip draining the sun dried tomatoes because excess oil will make the dressing greasy instead of balanced.
  • Adding the dressing too far in advance wilts the greens so always dress close to serving time.
03 -
  • Use the oil from the sun dried tomato jar as your secret dressing ingredient and never pour it down the drain again.
  • Let the dressing sit for ten minutes before using so the garlic softens its bite into something mellow and rounded.

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