Southern Chicken Salad is an old-fashioned, classic recipe for so many reasons. It's incredibly easy to make, totally customizable, and can be enjoyed by everyone! It's great for meal prep and perfect for picnics. I love to keep this in the fridge for an easy lunch or a healthy snack for my kids. Whatever you do, just make it. It will be a new family favorite in no time!
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A Southern Chicken Salad recipe is something you need in your back pocket at all times. It's quick, easy, and so delicious. My version is perfectly savory with the addition of Old Bay and celery seed. Using a food processor also makes quick work of the chopping and creates the best texture for a spreadable salad.
I love making this recipe to eat throughout the week. It's virtually void of any sugars and it's full of protein. My kids love it on crackers, I send it with my husband to the office for his lunches, and I devour it in lettuce wraps. This Southern Chicken salad is a fresh, flavorful family favorite and stays on our rotation all the time.
rotisserie chicken: a love letter
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. I love the ease of a rotisserie chicken and I also love the flavor of a roasted whole bird. Using one in this Chicken Salad recipe is no different.
I debone the chicken while it is still warm to make it easier. And, as always, I stick the carcass in the freezer to make bone broth later.
For this salad, I like the chicken broken down just a bit so I can spread it easier. Just a few pulses in a food processor is all you need. The combination of the dark and white meat is perfect for me. I absolutely love the flavor and I hope you'll try it this way, too!
southern chicken salad ingredients
You won't need much for this Souther Chicken Salad, but here is a rundown of the who, what, why.
Shredded Chicken from a rotisserie chicken. It's delectable and tender and so full of flavor. Use one and your chicken salad will thank you for it.
Mayonnaise. Use a good quality one. I despise an avocado mayo. I just can't. I'm a Duke's girl from way back. That would be my recommendation.
Dill Pickle Relish. You can also mince up whatever pickle you prefer. Or, use sweet pickle relish. If you use sweet, just don't tell me about it. I shan't recover.
Old Bay and Celery Seed. These are the is top secret ingredients. But, now that we've let that cat out of the bag...it gives flavor to this salad that is just incredible. You have to try it!
how to make southern chicken salad
Grab that food processor and let's go! Using a food processor for this recipe cuts down on the prep work immensely, but you can absolutely just use a knife if you would like.
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. Add some if you would like and I love to add a healthy dash of fresh ground pepper.
Onto the food processor portion of our recipe. Start by pulsing the onion and celery until it's minced. Put that into a large mixing bowl with the salad sauce/dressing. Next, pulse the chicken. I like it cut down pretty small, but not so much that it is a paste. Add the chicken to the bowl. Mix everything together to combine.
You can obviously devour this as soon as it's made, but I do think it tastes better the next day. If you can stay strong, give the flavors time to get together and know one another!
recipe frequently asked questions
Is this recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
Both! There is no dairy or gluten in my Southern Chicken Salad recipe!
How do I serve this Southern Chicken Salad?
The age old question. You can eat this salad straight out of the bowl with a spoon. We love it on soft sandwich bread or saltine crackers. When I'm paying attention to the pesky carbs, I will put a scoop on top of a big salad or eat it with a lettuce wrap. You cannot go wrong.
How long will this recipe stay good in the fridge?
This chicken salad will stay good up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can you freeze chicken salad?
I would not. The veggies in the salad will not that well and you'll end up with a watery mess.
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Recipe
Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, deboned
- 2-3 stalks celery
- 1 med red onion
Chicken Salad Dressing
- ¾ mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill relish
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix the chicken salad dressing ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Using the food processor pulse the celery and onion until minced. Add this to the dressing.
- Pulse the chicken until the meat is fine, but not a paste. Add the chicken to the bowl, stirring to combine everything.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
If you guys make this Southern Chicken Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Southern Chicken Salad recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or star rating below. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
JodieRiddel says
There are many savory chicken salad recipes, but this is the winner!
Rufus says
Thank you so very much! I'm so glad you liked it!!!
Heather Dunlap says
Great chicken salad for a picnic or road trip!