Best Chicken Salad Recipe Ever
Bless my soul, I love chicken salad. Served cold for lunch on a hot spring or summer day, there is just nothing more refreshing and filling than a helping of chunky, creamy chicken salad made from scratch. I can’t help but try a chicken salad dish whenever I see it offered on a menu. Some recipes feature walnuts or grapes, or even include vinegar or Greek yogurt in the base. Like unique, beautiful snowflakes there are just so many different takes on this traditional salad staple… And I simply must sample them all! At this point in my life I do consider myself somewhat of a chicken salad aficionado, and after many trials with different ingredients and ratios – and lots of great feedback from family and friends – I believe I have created The Ultimate Southern Chicken Salad Recipe to share with you today. My version has just the right balance of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, with great textures from chopped fruits, veggies, and toasted almonds. It is bright with just a bit of crunch; savory, slightly sweet, and utterly perfect, in my humble opinion.
Ultimate Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Chicken salad is a classic American dish that every cook should have in their arsenal of go-to recipes. If your family doesn’t have a signature recipe, I highly suggest you use this one as your own! What makes this a classic Southern Chicken Salad recipe? While most chicken salad recipes have a similar base of chopped chicken and mayo, the little details are what make some recipes ahem so much better than others. Our homemade chicken salad recipe is light with fresh produce and herbs like most traditional southern versions but packs a punch with big flavors and lots of different textures. You will love the blend of chicken, celery, apples, sweet pickle relish, almonds, scallions, and fresh dill. It’s perfect for sandwiches, to top green salads, or just to scoop up with crackers or veggies. You’ve just got to try this recipe for your next picnic or potluck!
What Ingredients You Need
Using a combination of sweet, salty, and savory elements makes otherwise basic roasted chicken pop with flavor. I highly recommend you include all of our suggested ingredients to make this truly the Ultimate Southern Chicken Salad recipe. Here is what you need:
Rotisserie chicken – store-bought or homemade roast chicken (Chicken Breasts are also an option.)MayonnaiseCelery – choppedApple – dicedSweet pickle relishAlmonds – freshly toasted nuts (or try with pecans)Scallion Onions – chopped green onionsDijon mustardFresh dill – chopped (fresh herbs are the best)Salt and pepper
How to Make the Best Chicken Salad
Cover and chill until you are ready to serve. The flavors get even better as the ingredients all sit together and become cold. Like many southern-style chilled salads, this chicken salad recipe tastes even better on day two. When possible make it the day before serving.
How Can I Make a Healthier Classic Chicken Salad Recipe?
You can use low-calorie, paleo, or keto-friendly mayonnaise to make a lighter version of this recipe.
How Long Does This Recipe Last?
Homemade chicken salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Prep this recipe beforehand for meal prepping for chicken salad sandwiches.
What Goes Well with Chicken Salad?
Enjoy Southern Chicken Salad on sandwiches by itself, or dress it up with lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Croissants are a great bread medium to make sandwiches with. Top your favorite fresh greens with a hearty scoop for a Chicken Salad … Salad! Or just eat by the scoopful with crackers, potato chips, or veggies like carrots and sliced cucumbers. If looking for a low-carb option you can use our Low Carb Cauliflower Crackers.
Looking for More Classic Southern Recipes?
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe (Oven Fried!)Best Ever Potato SaladPerky Pimento CheeseBuffalo Cowboy CaviarCrock Pot Brisket Sandwiches (Texas BBQ Beef)Southern Tomato Pie RecipeOven Baked “Fried” Pickles with Garlic Sauce
Check the printable recipe card below for the nutritional information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamin c, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, trans fat, and calcium percentages.
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