Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
This authentic Old Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad recipe tastes just like Grandma used to make. Unlike basic deli salads, this Southern classic features the secret addition of chopped hard boiled eggs and sweet pickle relish for the perfect balance of savory and sweet. It creates the ultimate filling for buttery croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps. An ideal High Protein lunch idea for meal prep that requires absolutely no cooking. Whether you serve it at a baby shower or for a quick weekday meal, this creamy chicken salad is timeless comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded (about 1½ to 2 pounds cooked)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard optional
- ¾ cup celery finely diced
- ⅓ cup onion finely diced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced chicken, celery, and onion. Add chopped eggs if using.
- Fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add an extra spoonful of mayo if you want it creamier.
- Serve chilled on sandwiches, crackers, lettuce cups, or over salad greens.
Notes
Small, even chicken pieces make the salad easier to scoop and spread.
If onion flavor is too strong, soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
This recipe tastes best after chilling. Even a short rest helps.