A creamy, comforting salad made with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a touch of Southern charm. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or served over fresh greens. This timeless recipe is simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Explanation
Southern Chicken Salad is a classic dish that combines cooked chicken with mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings. It’s versatile—served as a sandwich filling, a dip with crackers, or a topping for lettuce. The old-fashioned version keeps it simple, focusing on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. The key is tender chicken, a creamy dressing, and just the right crunch from celery or pickles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes (for chicken) Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, preferably poached or roasted)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use Duke’s or Hellmann’s for authentic flavor)
- 1 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (optional, for Southern flair)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: 2 boiled eggs (chopped, for extra richness)
Products for Using in Recipe
- For authentic Southern flavor, use Duke’s mayonnaise—it’s tangy and creamy.
- Fresh celery adds the perfect crunch.
- Sweet pickle relish gives a traditional Southern twist.
- If serving as sandwiches, choose soft white bread or buttery croissants.
Instructions
- Cook chicken: Poach or roast chicken breasts until tender. Cool slightly, then shred or dice.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, and boiled eggs (if using).
- Add mayonnaise, pickle relish, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve on bread, croissants, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.