Marry Me Chicken Salad

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This Marry Me Chicken Salad is a delicious twist on your classic chicken salad. Great for easy lunches, baby showers, graduation parties and family gatherings.

Marry Me Chicken is all the rage right now. And rightly so! Chicken, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy, zesty dressing taste wonderful. Today, I want to introduce you to the salad version.

This Marry Me Chicken Salad comes together in just 5 minutes. Really! It is perfect for meal prep lunches during the week as the dressing just soaks into the chicken, backyard barbeques with family or served at an elegant dinner party.

I like using a rotisserie chicken for convenience but you can use any kind of chicken and shred it. I'm also using sundried tomatoes in olive oil. The sour cream and mayo along with the parmesan cheese bring everything together. So delicious!

If you are looking for more salads for easy lunches, check out my Healthy Chicken Salad, this Bacon, Avocado and Egg Salad and this Tomato, Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Feta Cheese.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE MAKING MARRY ME CHICKEN SALAD

• Easy to make: Comes together in 5 minutes.

• Packed with flavor: Juicy chicken, fragrant herbs in a zesty dressing.

• Versatile: From weekday lunches to elegant parties, this salad is perfect!

• Make ahead friendly: Stores well for 2-3 days.

INGREDIENTS + NOTES

• Sundried tomatoes: I am using ones that are already packed in olive oil but you can also purchase ones without the oil.

• Mayo and sour cream: Use full fat versions for creaminess.

• Seasonings: Paprika, black pepper and red pepper flakes.

• Garlic: Minced for aromatic flavor.

• Shredded chicken: I prefer to use a rotisserie chicken for ease and convenience but any type of shredded chicken whether it is chicken breasts or thighs can be used.

• Olive oil: You will need to use a little oil from the tomato jar for the dressing. If you purchased sundried tomatoes not in oil, just use the 2 tablespoons of olive oil recommended.

• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated shredded is best.

• Basil leaves: Fresh, gives minty and sweet flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN SALAD

Step 1: Make the dressing

Combine the dressing ingredients into a large bowl until evenly combined.

Step 2: Make the salad

Add the shredded chicken, sun dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese and basil leaves to a bowl, mix well.

Step 3: Combine dressing and salad

Add dressing to salad mixture and combine until everything is coated. Serve and enjoy!

VARIATIONS

• Low carb: Swap out the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt or an avocado to keep it keto friendly.

• Crunch factor: Add in your favorite nuts such as toasted almonds, pecans or walnuts.

• Dairy free: Use dairy free yogurt or sour cream in place of the mayo. Skip the parmesan cheese and use a dairy free cheese.

• More spice: Add more red pepper flakes or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.

• Keto friendly: Use full fat mayo and sour cream. You could also use a mashed avocado to put it on. Watch the carbs in the sun dried tomatoes; opt for using fresh cherry tomatoes instead.

• Mediterranean flare: Add in black kalamata olives, use feta cheese and splash in some lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.

EMILY'S TIPS

• Use rotisserie chicken: This is such a lifesaver. Cook up that chicken the night before so you can have easily shredded chicken the next day. You can also shred up any cooked chicken you have on hand.

• Dice ingredients: Make sure the tomatoes and basil leaves are even in size to help ensure perfect tastes in every bite. I definitely cut the basil leaves because I don't like big chunks.

• Use sun dried tomatoes in oil: This is just easiest to use the oil from the jar when making the dressing. If you can't find sundried tomatoes in oil, just use 2 tablespoons of olive oil when making the dressing.

• Chill before serving: This isn't necessary but to let the flavors meld together taste all the more better. Place in the fridge 30 minutes before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Marry Me Chicken Salad can be served in many different ways. Here are a few way I like to enjoy it:

• Gluten free sandwich bread or rolls: A classic way to enjoy this creamy chicken salad.
• Lettuce wraps: Scoop the salad onto your favorite lettuce for this low carb option.
• Gluten free crackers: Love to enjoy this salad with my Simple Mills crackers.
• With an avocado: Create a Marry Me Chicken Salad boat by placing the salad in the middle.
• With fresh greens: Let the greens be the foundation for a rich salad.
• Drinks: I highly recommend this salad with fresh Honey Lemonade or this Watermelon Mint Slushie. Both are great to enjoy for a casual lunch or at an elegant party.

STORAGE

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. The flavors meld together even more.

I don't recommend freezing as it contains dairy and that oftentimes separates when thawing.

FAQ'S

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes! It taste great after chilling for a bit.

What is the best chicken to use?

I love using a rotisserie chicken for convenience and ease. For a juicy salad, use chicken thighs shredded. You can also use boneless skinless breasts shredded.

Can I make this healthier?

Swap out the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt.

I hope you give these Marry Me Chicken Salad a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

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