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southern chicken salad recipe

Southern Chicken Salad

A classic Southern chicken salad featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, sweet pickles, and hard-boiled eggs for a perfect comfort food dish that's ideal for sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Protein Salads
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken preferably from roasted or rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Duke's or Hellmann's preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet pickles
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Additions
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup halved red grapes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces. For best flavor, use a combination of white and dark meat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped sweet pickles, and diced celery. Stir until well mixed and creamy.
  3. Add the shredded chicken and chopped boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing mixture.
  4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. If using optional ingredients like red onion, grapes, herbs, or nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop. For best results, chill for 2 hours.
  8. Serve on bread for sandwiches, over lettuce, with crackers, or in lettuce cups.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly cooked chicken rather than canned.
  • The salad tastes even better the next day after flavors have had time to develop.
  • If making ahead for a picnic, keep chilled until ready to serve.
  • Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your preferred level of creaminess.