OLD FASHIONED SOUTHERN CHICKEN SALAD

Old Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad made with tender chicken and hard boiled eggs in a tangy dressing! Classic recipe perfect for lunch!

This is a classic for good reason!  It is the perfect southern chicken salad just like nana used to make.

I’ve always loved chicken salad. I shared my favorite recipe with you over a decade ago! However my mind was recently blown with this recipe and my daughter and I can’t get enough. It’s like a combination of egg salad and chicken salad and I’m never going back.

Southern Style Chicken Salad Ingredients

Chicken: You need 3 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded. Try our easy recipe for shredded chicken here.

Celery: Add in 3 TBSP of finely chopped celery for a delicious crunch.

Eggs: One of the key ingredients in this recipe is 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped. We have a simple way of hard boiling eggs, in the oven!

Relish: Using 3 TBSP of pickle relish gives this dish the Southern tang we are going for.

Mayonnaise: For the creamy base of this salad, you need 1 cup of mayonnaise. 

Onion powder: Adding ¼ teaspoon of onion powder gives the salad a subtle, sweet taste.

Pickle juice: Don’t forget to add 1 TBSP of pickle juice for more incredible flavor.

Seasonings: Use salt and pepper to season to your taste preference.

Tips for making Southern Chicken Salad

Full instructions are in the recipe card below, but here are a few tips for making process simpler.

• Cooking and Shredding Chicken: For ease and flavor, cook chicken breast by baking or using the crockpot, until fully cooked but still moist. Overcooking dries the meat and affects the salad texture. Aim for medium-sized shreds, not too fine or chunky.
• If using leftover rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones before shredding. This saves prep time while keeping the chicken juicy.
• Incorporating Hard Boiled Eggs without mashing them: Chop the hard boiled eggs into small, even pieces to distribute texture throughout the salad. Add the eggs near the end of mixing to prevent them from breaking down. Gently fold them in with the chicken and dressing using a spatula or large spoon. Avoid overmixing; the eggs should be distinct within the salad.

Serving and Storing Suggestions for Chicken Salad

Serve the salad chilled. It pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or on a bed of leafy greens for a light meal. For a traditional option, try it tucked inside a sandwich with lettuce and tomato.

Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent spoilage.

It’s generally not recommended to freeze leftover chicken salad due to the changes in texture and taste after thawing. The mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery, and the overall quality may decline. 

Creative Variations and Add-Ins for Chicken Salad

Customize your chicken salad by adding fruits like grapes or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Nuts such as almonds or pecans add crunch and richness. For more flavor, consider incorporating herbs like chopped parsley or dill. A splash of mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add mild heat or tanginess.

If you want a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This keeps creaminess but reduces calories and adds protein.

What is the difference between Southern style Chicken salad and a traditional recipe?

Southern style chicken salad usually includes hard-boiled eggs, pickle relish, and a tangy dressing featuring mayonnaise and sometimes pickle juice. Traditional chicken salad recipes tend to be simpler, often just combining chicken with mayonnaise and celery.

The Southern version is often more flavorful and uses spices like onion powder and black pepper, adding depth beyond the typical classic chicken salad.

Can you substitute mayonnaise for a healthier option?

Yes, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise to reduce fat and calories. These alternatives still provide creaminess while adding protein and lowering the calorie count.

Keep in mind that substituting mayonnaise may slightly change the tang and texture of the original dish.

More chicken salad recipes:

• This Curried Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and SO delicious! It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken and turn it into a flavorful meal.
• Looking for a flavorful, filling dish? Look no further than our recipe for Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. It’s loaded with amazing ingredients such as salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, tomatoes, and of course chicken!
• A simple and classic recipe is this Almond Chicken Salad. Made with a few basic ingredients, the results are a tasty dish that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
• Our popular 5-Minute Chicken Salad recipe is another family favorite, it comes together quick and disappears just as fast!
• Basil Chicken Salad is a great twist on a classic recipe! The fresh basil adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the dish that everyone is sure to enjoy.
• A delicious snack or light meal is this Chicken Salad Apples. With chicken and some sliced apples, you can have lunch the whole family will love!

Old Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad recipe is straightforward and relies on a few quality ingredients you likely have on hand. Your result is a comforting, traditional Southern chicken salad that’s both satisfying and versatile.