Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Table of Contents
Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
This Southern Chicken Salad recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing with a southern flair. Ideal for summer picnics, brunches, or light lunches, it’s easy to prepare and versatile. Whether served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or wrapped in a lettuce leaf, this salad will delight your taste buds with its balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight meal, this classic southern chicken salad is a go to for any occasion.
Description
The Southern Chicken Salad recipe is a must try for anyone craving a dish that combines the heartiness of chicken with a creamy, flavorful dressing. This Southern Chicken Salad recipe blends tender, cooked chicken breast with finely chopped celery, sweet pickles, onion, and boiled eggs for added texture. The creamy mayonnaise dressing is enhanced with mustard and a splash of pickle juice, giving the salad its signature tangy flavor.
What sets this southern style chicken salad apart from others is the addition of a touch of sweetness from the pickles and a savory undertone from the boiled eggs and onions. The result is a rich and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in various ways: as a sandwich filling, served with crackers, or as a salad on a bed of leafy greens.
This Southern Chicken Salad recipe is flexible, allowing you to make it your own. Some variations include adding grapes or apples for a burst of sweetness, or incorporating herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. The use of high quality chicken and fresh vegetables ensures the salad is both nutritious and delicious.
Southern Chicken Salad is perfect for those looking for a dish that is easy to prepare but full of flavor. It is an excellent choice for meal prepping since it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Whether you are preparing for a gathering or simply enjoying it at home, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice (from pickle jar)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra zest)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken breast if you haven’t already. You can boil, grill, or bake it until fully cooked. Once done, allow it to cool and shred or chop into bite sized pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Chop the Vegetables and Eggs: Finely chop the celery, red onion, and sweet pickles. Chop the boiled eggs into small pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, eggs, and pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or pickle juice if you desire a tangier flavor.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
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Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice from pickle jar
- 1 tablespoon honey optional for sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional for extra zest
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken breast if you haven’t already. You can boil, grill, or bake it until fully cooked. Once done, allow it to cool and shred or chop into bite sized pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Chop the Vegetables and Eggs: Finely chop the celery, red onion, and sweet pickles. Chop the boiled eggs into small pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, eggs, and pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or pickle juice if you desire a tangier flavor.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
Notes
- Chicken Options: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre cooked chicken breast for convenience. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use cooked thighs or a combination of thighs and breasts.
- Variations: Feel free to add fruits like grapes, apples, or cranberries for a sweet twist. Some people also enjoy adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Storage: This Southern Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great make ahead dish for lunches or parties.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or on top of a fresh salad bed. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of pickles or fresh fruit.
- Optional Add ins: For a more authentic southern touch, try adding a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of kick.
