Description
Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes combines tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy plant-based cheese with fresh mixed greens and a zesty, natural dressing. This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salad is quick to prepare and perfect for a nourishing lunch or light dinner, delivering bold flavors and balanced textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crispy and cut into strips
Fresh Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the chicken breasts until tender and juicy, then shred into bite-sized pieces. In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then cut into small strips. Set both aside to cool slightly.
- Layer the Fresh Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh basil leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, and plant-based cheese cubes to add freshness and variety.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice (natural), extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (natural), minced garlic (natural), salt, and pepper. Add a small pinch of natural gelling agent and whisk until the dressing reaches a slightly thickened consistency that clings to the salad ingredients.
- Toss Everything Together: Add the shredded chicken and smoked turkey bacon strips to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Final Touches: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill briefly to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh and ripe ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook chicken gently by simmering or poaching to avoid drying it out.
- Let the dressing rest after mixing to improve texture.
- Add crunchy nuts like roasted pine nuts or walnuts last to maintain their texture.
- Chill the salad briefly before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken salad, sun-dried tomatoes, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, quick salad
