Fitness / September 2, 2024

Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

This classic Southern Chicken Salad is a light summer dish, packed with protein.

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I think of chicken salad as something that has always been. When something is so familiar, I rarely ponder its history. The origin is debatable anyway. Chicken salad may have come from China, France, or the lesser-known Rhode Island. What I have discovered is that every chicken salad has a distinct aspect. For example, to qualify as Southern chicken salad, it should include hard-boiled eggs, pickles or relish, and chicken, obviously!

Chicken salad on wheat toast has been my go-to diner order since I was old enough to drive. It’s also one of my fave dishes to make because it’s easy, and you can add various ingredients to spice it up. Years ago, I was strict with Whole30 and loved the lightness and tart crunch from the grapes in a Whole30 chicken salad and the creaminess and flavor of curry avocado salad. While these recipes aren’t exactly exotic, they’re not as traditional as today’s Southern chicken salad.

Southern chicken salad is the real deal. Even though it has hard-boiled eggs, I wouldn’t consider it an egg salad. The egg is added for a touch of flavor, a boost of protein, and to help with the texture. My favorite part is the sweet relish. You can always use chopped pickles, too. This recipe comes together easily and develops more flavor as the ingredients meld together over hours or a day. Southern chicken salad is also a lovely dish since it is a great lunch, light dinner, or snack.

Is Southern Chicken Salad Healthy?

It sure is! Southern chicken salad is like a protein package, with about 30 grams per serving. The celery and onions provide a serving of veggies. This chicken salad is a keto lover’s dream since it’s high in protein and low in calories. Mayo is great for ketosis since it is high in fat and has zero carbs. To make this dish lighter or Whole30-compliant, try Whole30 mayo. You can also lighten this chicken salad by using Greek yogurt.

Perfect chicken for southern chicken salad

Our Southern chicken salad uses a pound of chicken breast and is super easy to make. Simply season your chicken breasts with oil, garlic powder, and celery salt, and then pop them in the oven while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. After 25 minutes, allow the breasts to cool and then cut into cubes or chunks, whatever size you prefer. You can also use a food processor to chop the chicken and save yourself the effort. If you like shredded chicken in chicken salad, cut the breasts in half, then shred them easily using a hand or stand mixer. Easy, peasy.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound chicken breast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 cup onions, finely diced
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 tablespoons sweet relish
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Season

Prepare and bake seasoned chicken.

Mix

Combine chicken with veggies, eggs, relish, and dressing.

Chill

Refrigerate to meld flavors and serve chilled.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Southern chicken salad can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. However, it is not recommended to freeze this dish.

What can I use instead of onions in this recipe?

Sure! It will change the flavor, but I get it—onions can be overpowering. My hubby loves chicken salad but detests onions. I make this without, but I sneak a dash of onion powder or top it with scallions or chives, which can be added while serving if you do not want to mix it in.

What other veggies can I add if I am out of celery?

Southern chicken salad is great because you can work it to your liking. While the celery adds a nice crunch, you can also use chopped carrots, radishes, apples, or grapes. Get creative!

Serving Suggestions

Southern chicken salad is the perfect snack whether you need to take a few bites running out the door or are hosting a party. My favorite is scooping it on homemade Ritz crackers. You can keep it gluten-free by using lettuce wraps or gluten-free crackers. Serve Southern chicken salad on a croissant or garlic toast along with lentils or minestrone for a full meal.

Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

This classic Southern Chicken Salad is a light summer dish, packed with protein.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings servings

Calories 420kcal

Author Melissa Search

Ingredients

1 pounds chicken breast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 cup celery finely diced
1/4 cup onions finely diced
3 hard-boiled eggs chopped
1 tablespoons sweet relish
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the chicken breasts lightly with vegetable oil and season with a mixture of garlic powder, and celery salt.
Bake the seasoned chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until fully cooked. Allow to cool, then cut into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet relish. Add mayonnaise, and dried parsley. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to blend the flavors. Serve chilled.