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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Salad Recipe with Easy Parmesan Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing

creamy marry me chicken salad - featured image

A creamy, tangy chicken salad featuring a savory parmesan sun-dried tomato dressing that brings bold flavor and satisfying texture, perfect for quick meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup celery, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
  • Mixed greens or lettuce for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by shredding or chopping about 2 cups of cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Remove skin and bones if using rotisserie chicken.
  2. Make the dressing by blending ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove in a food processor or blender until smooth. Alternatively, finely mince the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and whisk all dressing ingredients together.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ½ cup diced celery, and 2 tablespoons chopped red onion. Add the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley for freshness (optional).
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. If short on time, 15 minutes is sufficient.
  6. Serve chilled over mixed greens or lettuce, or use as a sandwich or wrap filling.

Notes

If the dressing is too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of water to loosen it. Use warm chicken cooled slightly to prevent dressing separation. Finely grate parmesan for smoother dressing texture. The salad tastes better after resting a few hours or overnight. For a lighter dressing, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado dressing. This recipe is naturally gluten-free; check sun-dried tomato packaging for additives.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, parmesan dressing, sun-dried tomato, quick lunch, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken salad