Description
This Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes is a vibrant and fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish combining tender cooked chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. With a flavorful dressing made from apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and natural seasonings, this salad is perfect for quick lunches, casual dinners, or impressive gatherings, delivering a balanced, satisfying, and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (natural), chopped
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried, and torn
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled or chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the chicken breast until tender and juicy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until golden and crispy, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
- Build the Salad Base: Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly, then tear into manageable pieces. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil leaves.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard (natural), minced garlic (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, cohesive blend.
- Combine and Toss: Add the chopped chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese into the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over all ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is evenly coated with flavor.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: For maximum freshness and crunch, serve the salad right away. Alternatively, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, noting the plant-based cheese may soften slightly.
Notes
- Use fresh, quality vegetables and herbs to elevate the flavor.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar and olive oil in the dressing to your preferred tanginess.
- Thoroughly wash and dry lettuce to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Thinly slice red onion to add color without overpowering sharpness.
- Chill salad briefly before serving to blend flavors more fully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken salad, sun-dried tomatoes, plant-based cheese salad, smoky turkey bacon salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy chicken salad, easy lunch recipe
