Description
Tuscan Chicken Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes is a vibrant, healthy salad featuring tender grilled chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy plant-based cheese. Combined with fresh mixed greens and a homemade natural dressing, this salad delivers bold flavors and balanced textures perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 boneless chicken breast
- 3 slices smoked turkey bacon
Salad
- 2 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup plant-based cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill or pan-sear on medium heat until cooked through and golden on the outside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly to retain juiciness and tenderness.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the chicken is cooking, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once crispy, place on paper towels to drain excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces for smoky, crunchy texture.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent until emulsified. The dressing should be smooth and slightly thickened to cling beautifully to the salad ingredients.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and crispy smoked turkey bacon. Toss gently with the dressing, then top with sliced chicken and crumbled plant-based cheese. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a fragrant finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give the salad a final light toss just before serving to ensure every bite is perfectly dressed. It tastes great immediately or chilled slightly for a refreshing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken and avoid overcooking to keep slices tender and juicy.
- Lightly warm sun-dried tomatoes in the skillet before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar quantity to taste to balance dressing acidity.
- Opt for the freshest seasonal greens for maximum crispness and nutrients.
- Let the salad rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving to intensify flavors and meld ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken salad, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, healthy salad, easy recipe, gluten free
