This Easy Southern Style Chicken Salad is a delicious mix of tender chicken, creamy mayo, crunchy celery, and sweet pickles. It’s perfect for sandwiches or just eating with a spoon!
You can’t go wrong with a classic like this. I love making a big batch and enjoying it all week long. Just pair it with your favorite bread or some crackers, and you’re all set! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: For the best result, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. If you’re short on time, store-bought chicken works great, but you can also use canned chicken in a pinch!
Mayonnaise: I use regular mayo for creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo can be tasty substitutes. Greek yogurt also adds a bit of tang.
Celery: Fresh celery brings a perfect crunch, but you can swap it for apples or grapes for a sweeter twist. They add great texture and flavor!
Sweet Pickle Relish: If you don’t have relish, finely chopped pickles or even a bit of honey can work in its place. They’ll give that sweet flavor that complements the chicken.
Mustard: This is optional, but it adds a nice punch. If you prefer, you can use Dijon for an extra kick. For a milder flavor, leave it out entirely.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting that creamy texture and flavor balance is key for a great chicken salad. Start by mixing the mayonnaise and other ingredients in a large bowl before adding the chicken. This helps blend everything smoothly.
- Make sure your chicken is diced or shredded into small pieces. This helps it combine better with the dressing.
- After mixing, let it chill in the refrigerator! This rests the flavors and makes it taste even better.
- Taste your salad after chilling. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or even big spoonful of mayo, depending on your preference.
Enjoy crafting your chicken salad just the way you like it!
Easy Southern Style Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional, for tanginess)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for freshness)
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Crackers or sandwich bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So you can whip it up quickly, then let it sit and cool while you get on with your day. Perfect for a quick and tasty lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the cooked chicken. Then pour in the mayonnaise followed by the finely chopped celery and sweet pickle relish. If you’re adding mustard and lemon juice, go ahead and mix those in as well. Stir everything together thoroughly so that all the chicken is coated with the creamy mixture!
2. Season to Taste:
Next, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good mix and taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more flavor, add a pinch more salt or pepper.
3. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is important as it allows the flavors to meld together, making your chicken salad extra delicious!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the chicken salad out of the fridge. Lay some fresh lettuce leaves on a plate or in a bowl. Spoon the chilled chicken salad on top of the lettuce. If you like, sprinkle a little extra black pepper on top for a nice touch. Serve it alongside crackers or pile it into sandwich bread. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
And there you have it! A classic Southern-style chicken salad that’s easy to make and absolutely delightful!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover boiled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into small pieces for even mixing and flavor absorption!
How Can I Make This Chicken Salad Healthier?
You can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and increase protein. Adding more veggies like bell peppers or carrots can also bump up the nutrition.
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, make it a day in advance! Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you serve it!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can eat it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying it! Just make sure it’s all kept tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
