Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad

This hearty Tuscan Chicken Salad brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to your table in just minutes. The combination of tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory olives creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that's perfect for busy weekdays or special gatherings.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed quick, nutritious lunches. The flavors transported me straight to the Tuscan countryside, and it's become my go-to for impressing guests at summer gatherings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken provides tender, flavorful meat without the cooking time. Choose a high-quality bird with minimal additives for best results
• Sun-dried tomatoes offer concentrated sweet-tart flavor. Look for ones packed in oil for extra richness
• Red onion adds a pleasant sharpness that balances the other ingredients. Choose firm bulbs with no soft spots
• Baby spinach incorporates nutrition and a fresh element. Select bright green leaves with no yellowing
• Kalamata olives bring briny depth to the salad. Pit-removed varieties save preparation time
• Extra virgin olive oil creates the base for the dressing. A high-quality oil makes a noticeable difference
• Fresh lemon juice brightens all flavors. Always use freshly squeezed for the best taste
• Garlic powder adds savory notes without overpowering. Store in a cool, dark place to maintain potency
• Salt and pepper enhance all other flavors. Sea salt and freshly ground pepper yield superior results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Shred or chop your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. For the best texture, I recommend combining both white and dark meat. If using a food processor, pulse only a few times to avoid over-processing into a paste.

Prep the vegetables

Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring they're small enough to distribute flavor throughout the salad. Similarly chop the red onion, kalamata olives, and spinach into small, consistent pieces that will mix well with the chicken.

Combine main ingredients

Add all chopped ingredients to a large bowl with the chicken. Using a bowl with extra space makes mixing easier and prevents ingredients from spilling over the sides during stirring.

Create the dressing

Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the ingredients. The acid from the lemon will brighten the flavors while the olive oil adds richness and helps the flavors meld together.

Season and mix

Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over everything. Using your hands or large spoons, gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings. The chicken should glisten slightly from the olive oil.

Taste and adjust

Sample the salad and add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or olive oil according to your preference. Remember that flavors will deepen as the salad sits, so slight over-seasoning now can be perfect later.

Bookmark

The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the secret star of this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago while traveling through Tuscany, where a local chef showed me how they concentrate the sweetness of summer tomatoes. Even my kids who typically avoid tomatoes devour this salad thanks to their rich, almost candy-like quality.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Tuscan Chicken Salad shines in multiple presentations. Serve it over a bed of arugula for a complete meal, or tuck it into a whole grain wrap with extra spinach for a portable lunch. For entertaining, hollow out small sweet peppers and fill them with the chicken salad for an elegant appetizer that disappears quickly at gatherings.

For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal, pair this salad with a simple cucumber and tomato side dish dressed with olive oil and herbs. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully if youre enjoying this for dinner.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Swap the spinach for arugula or kale for a peppery bite. Not a fan of kalamata olives? Try capers instead for that briny element. For a creamier version, fold in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or avocado. Artichoke hearts make a wonderful addition if you want to enhance the Mediterranean profile even further.

For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano just before serving. The aromatic quality of fresh herbs elevates the dish and reinforces the Tuscan inspiration behind this quick and satisfying recipe.

Storage Tips

This chicken salad maintains its quality remarkably well in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight glass container to preserve freshness and prevent any plastic taste from transferring to the salad. The flavors actually improve after sitting for several hours as the ingredients meld together.

For meal prep purposes, you can prepare this salad up to three days in advance. If planning that far ahead, consider adding the spinach just before serving to maintain its texture. The acid in the lemon juice helps preserve the other ingredients while enhancing their flavors over time.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute cooked chicken breast for rotisserie chicken. Simply cook and cool the chicken breast before shredding or chopping it. The recipe notes suggest using a food processor or hand mixer for easy shredding.

→ How can I make this chicken salad creamier?

To create a creamier texture, add plain Greek yogurt to the salad as suggested in the recipe hints. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust according to your preference. This addition maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile while adding creaminess.

→ How long does Tuscan Chicken Salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Tuscan Chicken Salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days. This makes it ideal for meal prep at the beginning of the week.

→ What can I serve with Tuscan Chicken Salad?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pita, or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. It also works well served over mixed greens, alongside fresh fruit, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have them on hand?

Yes, this recipe is flexible. You can substitute black olives for kalamata, arugula or kale for spinach, and roasted red peppers for sun-dried tomatoes. If you don't have fresh lemons, bottled juice works though fresh is recommended for optimal flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

This Tuscan Chicken Salad is excellent for meal prepping. Make a batch at the beginning of the week for quick, ready-to-eat lunches. The flavors actually continue to develop and meld together over time in the refrigerator.