Go Back
Homemade The Ultimate Southern Chicken Salad Recipe photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

The Ultimate Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

This Southern Chicken Salad is SO EASY! Tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing make a perfect, versatile dish for any occasion.
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Chicken Salad, Comfort Food, Easy, Quick, Rotisserie Chicken
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole rotisserie chicken about 5 cups chopped chicken
  • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 1 cup apple diced, a firm variety works best
  • ½ cup sweet pickle relish
  • ½ cup toasted almonds chopped
  • ½ cup scallions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Start by removing the skin from the rotisserie chicken. Then, carefully shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 5 cups of chopped chicken. Place this in a large mixing bowl.
  • Next, chop 1 cup of celery and dice 1 cup of your chosen firm apple. Add these to the bowl with the chicken. The crispness of the celery and the sweet crunch of the apple will add fantastic texture and flavor to the salad.
  • Add ½ cup of sweet pickle relish, ½ cup of toasted almonds, and ½ cup of chopped scallions to the chicken and vegetable mixture. The relish introduces a delightful sweetness, while the almonds provide a nutty crunch.
  • In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped dill, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing will bring all the ingredients together beautifully.
  • Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mush the chicken or apple pieces!
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Serving Dish

Notes

  • Use a well-seasoned rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and moisture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Add toasted almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
  • Make the salad up to three days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Try adding dried cranberries or grapes for a sweet twist, or different nuts for variety.