Southern chicken salad recipe​

Introduction: A Classic Dish with a Southern Twist

If you’re looking for a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that works for every occasion, this Southern Chicken Salad recipe is the answer. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned dressing, this dish is a true classic with a Southern flair. Whether you’re serving it as a sandwich filling, scooping it onto a bed of lettuce, or simply enjoying it with crackers, this versatile recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Chicken Salad

Southern Chicken Salad is beloved for good reason! Here are just a few reasons you’ll adore it:

1. Simple Yet Sophisticated: It requires only basic ingredients but delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or an elegant dish for parties and gatherings.
3. Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prepping or entertaining.
5. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The creamy texture and rich flavors appeal to just about everyone. For another creamy and comforting chicken recipe, try this Slow Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff.

Key Ingredients for Southern Chicken Salad

Each ingredient in this Southern Chicken Salad plays a vital role in creating its distinctive flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown:

• Chicken: The star of the dish! Tender, shredded or diced chicken provides a hearty base. Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works wonders.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy binder that gives the salad its signature texture. Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best results.
• Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle, fresh flavor.
• Red Onion: For a hint of sharpness and a touch of color. Substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: A hallmark of Southern-style chicken salad, this ingredient offers a tangy, slightly sweet note that balances the dish.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Adds richness and a bit of extra protein.
• Dijon Mustard: Enhances the flavor with a mild kick. Yellow mustard is a good alternative.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Paprika: A dash of paprika gives the salad a warm color and smoky undertone.

Optional Additions: For added variety, you can include ingredients like chopped pecans, diced apples, grapes, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for spice.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: Serves 4
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 300

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Southern Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup diced red grapes
• ½ cup diced apples

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect Southern Chicken Salad:

Cook and Prepare the Chicken

• If Starting with Raw Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results. To poach the chicken:
  1. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water or chicken broth. Add aromatics like a bay leaf, garlic, or a few peppercorns for additional flavor.
  2. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer (not a boil) and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the meat; it should be opaque and white.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool completely before shredding or dicing. Cooling helps retain moisture and makes it easier to handle.
• If Using Rotisserie Chicken or Leftovers: Skip the cooking step and shred the meat using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Pro Tip: For a more flavorful chicken salad, roast the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder before dicing or shredding.

Prepare the Vegetables and Eggs

1. Dice the Celery: Cut celery stalks into small, even pieces. Smaller pieces ensure you get a crunch in every bite without overpowering the salad.
2. Chop the Red Onion: Finely dice the onion for a subtle pop of flavor. If you prefer a milder onion taste, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.
3. Chop Hard-Boiled Eggs: Once the eggs are cooked and cooled, chop them into small chunks. To avoid crumbling, use a sharp knife and cut gently.

Pro Tip: Use an egg slicer for quick, even cuts. Slice the egg once, rotate it 90 degrees, and slice again for perfectly diced pieces.

Make the Dressing

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and ¼ cup sweet pickle relish.
2. Add ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: If you want a lighter dressing, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. For a slightly tangier flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and chopped eggs to the bowl with the dressing.
2. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or large spoon. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; you want to preserve the texture.

Pro Tip: Add the dressing gradually to avoid making the salad too wet. Start with half the dressing, stir, and add more as needed until the salad reaches your desired consistency.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings. Add a pinch more salt, a dash of paprika, or even a bit more mustard if you like a stronger tang.

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.

Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can serve it immediately, but the salad will taste better after resting in the fridge.

Variations on Southern Chicken Salad

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few creative ways to make it your own:

1. Healthy Version: Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative.
2. Nutty Twist: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
3. Fruity Flavor: Toss in diced apples or red grapes for a sweet and juicy contrast.
4. Spicy Southern Chicken Salad: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing for some heat.
5. Herbed Delight: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a garden-fresh taste. For a different type of salad dish, check out this Caesar Pasta Salad.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Chicken Salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Here’s how to serve it:

• Sandwiches: Spoon it onto fresh bread, croissants, or toasted sandwich rolls.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve it in crisp lettuce leaves.
• Salad Plate: Pair it with mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, and cucumber for a light, refreshing meal.
• Crackers: Use it as a dip for buttery crackers or crispy pita chips.
• Party Platter: Serve in a decorative bowl alongside a selection of crackers, veggie sticks, and sliced baguette for an elegant appetizer.

Tips for the Best Southern Chicken Salad

1. Choose the Right Chicken

• Use high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Freshly poached, roasted, or even grilled chicken works wonderfully. Avoid canned chicken, as it can have a less desirable texture and flavor.
• If using a rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and use both white and dark meat for a balanced taste.

Pro Tip: Cooking the chicken with aromatics like garlic, onion, or herbs adds depth of flavor to the finished salad.

2. Keep It Creamy but Balanced

• The mayonnaise is the star of the dressing, but balance it out with tangy ingredients like Dijon mustard and sweet pickle relish to avoid an overly rich taste.
• Add the dressing a little at a time to control the consistency. The salad should be creamy but not soupy.

Pro Tip: If the salad is too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.

3. Dice Ingredients Uniformly

• Cutting the vegetables and chicken into similarly sized pieces ensures that each bite has a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
• Avoid large chunks of onion or celery, as they can overpower the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife to dice the vegetables and chicken cleanly and efficiently.

4. Add Texture with Optional Ingredients

• For crunch: Toss in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds.
• For sweetness: Include diced apples, red grapes, or dried cranberries.
• For extra freshness: Add a handful of chopped parsley, dill, or chives.

Pro Tip: Toasting the nuts lightly in a dry pan brings out their natural flavor and adds a delightful aroma.

5. Season Gradually

• Don’t add too much salt at the beginning. The flavors of the salad will intensify as it chills, so adjust seasoning after it has rested in the fridge.
• Use freshly cracked black pepper for a slightly spicy, earthy note.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or sprinkle smoked paprika for a more robust flavor.

6. Serve it Fresh

• While this salad can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge, it tastes best when served within 24 hours.
• Always keep it cold, especially when serving at outdoor events or picnics, to ensure the mayonnaise stays safe to eat.

Pro Tip: Use an ice-filled serving tray underneath the bowl if serving outdoors in warm weather.

7. Presentation Matters

• Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of paprika, a few slices of hard-boiled egg, or some fresh herbs for a visually appealing dish.
• If serving as a sandwich filling, choose fresh, buttery croissants or thick slices of artisan bread for the best presentation.

Pro Tip: For party platters, serve the salad in a decorative bowl surrounded by crackers, veggie sticks, and fresh greens.

Benefits of This Southern Chicken Salad

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this dish is as nourishing as it is tasty.
• Great for Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Loved by All Ages: Its creamy texture and mild flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

What Are the Ingredients of Chicken Salad?

The classic chicken salad recipe typically includes a mix of cooked chicken, vegetables, seasonings, and a creamy dressing. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• Cooked Chicken: Boiled, roasted, or grilled chicken breast or thigh, either shredded or chopped.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as the base for the dressing, providing creaminess.
• Celery: Adds a crunchy texture.
• Onion: Diced red or green onions for a slight bite.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic powder or paprika for flavor.

Optional Additions:

• Fruits: Grapes, apples, or dried cranberries for a sweet touch.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or chives for added freshness.
• Dijon Mustard: For tangy flavor in the dressing.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: As a substitute or addition to mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Is Chicken Salad Better Shredded or Chopped?

Whether chicken salad is better shredded or chopped depends on personal preference and the desired texture:

Shredded Chicken Salad:

• Pros:
  • Softer, more consistent texture.
  • Blends well with creamy dressings, making each bite flavorful.
• Best For: Sandwich fillings, wraps, or smoother salads.

Chopped Chicken Salad:

• Pros:
  • Offers more bite and texture.
  • Pieces of chicken are more distinct, creating a chunkier feel.
• Best For: Serving as a standalone dish or on a bed of greens.

Tip: If you’re undecided, try combining both shredded and chopped chicken for a balanced texture.

What Is Chicken Salad Sauce Made Of?

The dressing for chicken salad is typically creamy, but it can be customized based on your taste. Here are the common ingredients:

Classic Creamy Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The primary ingredient for creaminess.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the richness with acidity.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances flavor.

Lighter Variations:

• Greek Yogurt: Replaces some or all the mayonnaise for a healthier option.
• Olive Oil: Combined with lemon juice and herbs for a lighter dressing.

Sweet Additions:

• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: For a hint of tang in a sweet-and-savory version.

Why Does My Chicken Salad Taste Dry?

A dry chicken salad can result from several factors, but the good news is it’s easy to fix:

Causes of Dry Chicken Salad:

• Overcooked Chicken: Overcooking dries out the chicken, making it less flavorful.
• Not Enough Dressing: Skimping on the dressing can leave the salad dry.
• Insufficient Mixing: Unevenly mixed salad leaves some bites dry.

Tips to Fix and Prevent Dryness:

1. Moisture-Rich Chicken: Use poached or rotisserie chicken for juicier meat.
2. Generous Dressing: Add enough dressing to coat all the ingredients evenly.
3. Rest Time: Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes after mixing. This allows the flavors to meld and absorb.
4. Liquid Boost: Add a splash of chicken broth, lemon juice, or olive oil if the salad still feels dry.

Conclusion

This Southern Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a quick and satisfying dish, this recipe will never let you down. With its versatility and adaptability, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.

Give it a try and let us know how you made it your own! Share your photos and variations in the comments or on social media. We can’t wait to see your delicious creations!