Description
Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad is a creamy, comforting classic made with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet pickle relish. This no-cook recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for sandwiches, picnics, potlucks, or simple make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/3 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: chopped hard-boiled eggs
Instructions
- Add the chopped or shredded cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and gently fold to coat evenly.
- Add celery, sweet pickle relish, and red onion. Mix until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled on sandwich bread, croissants, crackers, or over fresh lettuce.
Notes
- Finely chopped chicken gives the best creamy texture.
- Chilling before serving improves flavor.
- Do not overdress; add dressing gradually.
- Adjust sweetness slowly to taste.
- Great for meal prep and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch / Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg