This Easy Southern Style Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a bit of sweet pickle relish. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches or a refreshing salad.
You can whip this up in no time, which makes it great for busy days. I love to enjoy it on a picnic with crackers—who doesn’t love a good picnic? 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Chicken breast is commonly used for a lean option. However, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even turkey for a change. Make sure the meat is well-cooked and chopped into small pieces.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the salad. If you want a lighter version, consider Greek yogurt or avocado as a substitute. It will change the flavor slightly but keeps it yummy!
Sweet Pickle Relish: This brings a sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, diced pickles or even a splash of apple cider vinegar can work. It’s all about maintaining that zest!
Celery: Celery adds crunch. If you’re not a fan, you could use diced apples or grapes for sweetness and texture. No celery? No problem!
How Do I Make My Chicken Salad Extra Flavorful?
The key to a tasty chicken salad is adjusting the flavors to your liking. Start by using good-quality chicken, and don’t skip on the mayo (or its substitute). Here’s how to enhance the flavor:
- Mix in some chopped onions or green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- Don’t forget the seasoning—taste and add more salt or pepper as needed.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors merge beautifully!
- If you want a hint of tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice or some dill pickles to the mix.
Easy Southern Style Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional, for tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Crackers or bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Southern chicken salad will take around 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and finely chopped celery. These ingredients will come together to create a deliciously creamy chicken salad!
2. Add Seasonings:
Add the yellow mustard, if using, for a touch of tang. Then, sprinkle in the salt and black pepper according to your taste. This is where you start to build that flavor!
3. Combine Everything:
Gently mix all the ingredients together until they’re thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep some texture from the chicken and celery.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your mixture a taste. If you think it needs a little more salt or mustard, now’s the time to adjust it to your liking!
5. Chill It Out:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This will let the flavors meld and taste even better!
6. Serve It Up:
When you’re ready to serve, use a spoon to scoop the chicken salad onto fresh lettuce leaves. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
7. Enjoy with Crackers:
Serve alongside your favorite crackers or slices of bread for a delightful Southern-style snack or light meal.
Enjoy this creamy, crunchy chicken salad that’s perfect for picnics or quick lunches! 🥗
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this salad. Just make sure it’s diced or shredded into bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and eating!
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge to help develop the flavors, and stir it gently before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for 3-4 days. Give it a good stir before enjoying if you notice any separation!
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Yes! For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise. This will give you a creamy texture while cutting down on fat!
