Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad is a creamy, tangy classic that’s perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. With tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped celery
• 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
• 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 cup mayonnaise (I suggest Duke’s)
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and chopped hard boiled eggs.
2. Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, onion powder, and pickle juice until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
• Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a subtle tangy kick.
• Serve the salad on buttery sandwich bread, in lettuce wraps, or on crackers for versatile meals or snacks.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving if the dressing separates. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and can save time. Just shred the meat and remove any skin or bones before mixing.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight, which allows the flavors to develop fully.

Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 65 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad is a classic, creamy, and tangy dish made with shredded cooked chicken, crunchy celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and a flavorful dressing of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and pickle juice. Perfect for sandwiches or as a light meal, this salad embodies traditional Southern flavors with a simple and quick preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped celery
• 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s recommended)
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine Chicken Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cooked chicken breast, finely chopped celery, and chopped hard boiled eggs until evenly distributed.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, onion powder, and pickle juice until smooth and well combined.
3. Mix Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Chill Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
5. Serve: Once chilled, serve the chicken salad as desired, either on bread for sandwiches, on a bed of lettuce, or as a side dish.

Notes

• Using Duke’s mayonnaise is highly recommended for an authentic Southern flavor.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, as the pickle relish and juice add tartness and some saltiness.
• This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Add a pinch of paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken and hard-boiled eggs are ready)
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Southern chicken salad, classic chicken salad, old-fashioned chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, easy chicken salad