Y’all, there’s something truly special about a good old-fashioned Southern chicken salad It’s one of those recipes that brings back memories of family gatherings, church potlucks, and summer picnics I’ve been making chicken salad for years, and let me tell you – once you master this classic, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Today I’m sharing my favorite Southern chicken salad recipe that combines traditional ingredients with a few special touches. This isn’t just any chicken salad – it’s a creamy, flavorful dish that works as a sandwich filling, a dip or even served on a bed of lettuce for a lighter option.
What Makes a Chicken Salad “Southern”?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes chicken salad truly Southern. In the South, chicken salad is all about
- Rich creaminess – Southern-style means generous mayo (and not just any mayo!)
- Simple, quality ingredients – no fancy add-ins needed
- The perfect balance of savory chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing
- Family tradition – recipes often passed down through generations
The Essential Ingredients
To make authentic Southern chicken salad, you’ll need:
Main Components:
- 4 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
- 3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise (the right kind matters!)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped (optional but recommended)
Seasonings:
- Fresh lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dash of ground red pepper (optional)
- Paprika (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
A Word About the Chicken
The foundation of any good chicken salad is, well, the chicken! You’ve got several options here:
- Chicken breasts – Traditional and mild-flavored
- Rotisserie chicken – My personal favorite for convenience and flavor
- Mix of white and dark meat – For more depth of flavor
- Leftover roasted chicken – Great way to use up leftovers
If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, I recommend poaching or roasting chicken breasts. You can also air fry them – whatever method you prefer that gives you tender, flavorful chicken.
The Mayo Matters!
Listen up, because this is IMPORTANT! In authentic Southern chicken salad, the mayonnaise is just as important as the chicken itself. Don’t even think about using low-fat mayo or (heaven forbid) Miracle Whip!
Southern cooks typically reach for one of these brands:
- Duke’s Mayo (a Southern favorite)
- Hellmann’s/Best Foods
- Blue Plate
If you’re mayo-averse or looking for a lighter option, you can substitute part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream, but I wouldn’t recommend replacing it entirely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, now let’s get to making this delicious Southern chicken salad!
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it cool completely before chopping or shredding it into small pieces. For authentic Southern chicken salad, I like to chop mine rather than shred it.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your chopped chicken, celery, and onions.
Step 3: Add Hard-Cooked Eggs (Optional)
If you’re using eggs (and I highly recommend you do), chop them and add them to the bowl.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Add your lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, celery salt, and peppers. Gently toss everything together.
Step 5: Add the Mayo
Start with about 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and fold it in gently. You don’t want to overmix or the chicken will break down too much.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time is crucial – it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Final Touch
Before serving, stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. This gives the salad that perfect creamy texture.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Southern chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- On slices of bread as a classic sandwich
- On buttery croissants for an elevated touch
- With crackers as an appetizer
- Stuffed in avocado halves
- On a bed of lettuce for a lighter lunch
- As a dip with sturdy vegetables like cucumber slices, carrots, or celery sticks
Storage Tips
You can store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be aware that leftover chicken salad may become watery as it sits – this is normal as the salad ingredients release moisture. Simply drain any excess liquid and give it a good stir before serving again.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing chicken salad as the mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well and will separate when thawed.
Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is perfect as-is, there are several ways to customize your Southern chicken salad:
Add Some Crunch:
- Toasted pecans or almonds
- Pickle relish (sweet or dill)
- Finely chopped bell peppers
Add Some Sweetness:
- Halved grapes
- Diced apples
- Dried cranberries
Herb It Up:
- Fresh dill
- Tarragon
- Chives instead of green onions
Troubleshooting Your Chicken Salad
Too Dry?
Add a bit more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time.
Too Wet?
Add more chopped chicken or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.
Bland Flavor?
More celery salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of red pepper can wake up the flavors.
My Personal Tips
After years of making Southern chicken salad, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Taste as you go! Especially when adding seasonings.
- Don’t skimp on chilling time – it really does make a difference.
- Finely chop your vegetables for the best texture.
- The right mayo-to-chicken ratio is key – you want it creamy but not drowning.
- Save some mayo for adding right before serving to maintain creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Making authentic Southern chicken salad isn’t complicated, but attention to detail makes all the difference. From choosing the right mayonnaise to properly preparing your chicken, each step contributes to that classic flavor we all love.
Whether you’re making this for a family lunch, a church potluck, or just to have in the fridge for quick sandwiches, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. And remember, the best chicken salad is the one that brings back memories of home and family – so don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to match your own Southern traditions!
Now go on and get cookin’ – your new favorite chicken salad awaits!
Do y’all have any special additions you like in your Southern chicken salad? I’d love to hear about your family traditions in the comments below!
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FAQ
What is southern chicken salad?
With its comforting flavor, Southern chicken salad offers a taste of culinary tradition that never goes out of style. This old-fashioned recipe harkens back to our great-grandmother’s day, when a well-seasoned mix of chopped chicken and celery were bound together with homemade mayonnaise and a generous splash of fresh lemon juice.
Is there a traditional chicken salad recipe?
However, there isn’t an official traditional chicken salad recipe – different people use slightly different ingredients in their southern chicken salad. I wanted to make a keto chicken salad so I opted to use chopped dill pickles instead of sweet relish and yellow mustard instead of honey mustard.
How do you make southern chicken salad?
To make Southern chicken salad, you’ll need: Cooked chicken: The main ingredient of the chicken salad. Feel free to use cooked chicken breasts, shredded rotisserie chicken, or any cut of chicken you prefer. Hard-cooked eggs: Adds a creamy richness to the salad, along with additional protein and texture. Celery: A refreshing crunch within the salad.
How do you make a chicken salad sauce?
To begin, I like to make the sauce portion of the Southern Chicken Salad. Add the mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, dill relish, Old Bay, celery seed, granulated garlic and onion to a large mixing bowl. Finish with the juice of half of a lemon and whisk to combine. Taste to check for salt.
Do you use whole chicken in a chicken salad?
This Southern Chicken salad is a fresh, flavorful family favorite and stays on our rotation all the time. I am and will always be a fan of using whole chickens in my recipes when possible. It is a better and safer option across the board.
What’s in a chicken salad?
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley A classic blend of mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, onion, and salt is tossed with cooked chicken and hard-cooked eggs for a creamy chicken salad that will become your new go-to. To make Southern chicken salad, you’ll need:
What is in southern style chicken salad?
Southern style chicken salad typically includes cooked chicken, mayonnaise, chopped celery, and onion, with common additions like hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, and various seasonings such as salt, pepper, and paprika. Southern recipes often feature Duke’s mayonnaise and may include additions like grapes or pecans for sweetness and crunch.
What are the 4 ingredients in chicken salad?
Traditional chicken salad is made from four simple ingredients: cooked chicken, mayonnaise/salad dressing, celery and onion. Getting the right ratio of ingredients is the key to a balanced mixture of meat and enough dressing to hold the ingredients together.
What ingredients do you put in chicken salad?
A basic chicken salad includes cooked chicken, a binding agent like mayonnaise, and ingredients for flavor and texture such as celery, onion, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Beyond these staples, you can add a wide variety of ingredients, including fruits (apples, grapes, dried cranberries), nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), herbs (dill, tarragon), and other vegetables (cucumbers, green onions), or even hard-boiled eggs.