Description
This Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes is a vibrant and fresh dish bursting with juicy grilled chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp arugula, and plant-based feta cheese. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, it combines bold flavors and textures in every bite, making it a perfect light yet fulfilling meal any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (natural), packed in oil, sliced
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Seasoning for Chicken
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts lightly with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Grill them over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized strips.
- Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes (natural). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Arrange the grilled chicken slices on top of the dressed salad. Sprinkle the crumbled plant-based feta cheese over everything to add a creamy and tangy finish.
Notes
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes (natural) for the best flavor and texture.
- Flatten chicken breasts slightly before grilling to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Allow the dressing to rest 5-10 minutes before tossing with salad to enhance flavor depth.
- Add fresh lemon zest to the dressing for extra brightness if desired.
- Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or store components separately for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken salad, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken salad, plant-based feta, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad
