How to Make Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipe

By: Mia

June 1, 2025

Delicious Southern-style chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread with lettuce.

Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, or even as a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner ideas. Say hello to the creamiest, most flavorful Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipe you’ve ever tasted! Whether you’re a fan of classic chicken salads or looking for something new to spice up your meal routine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for quick family dinners that everyone will love
  • A creamy, dreamy texture that’s hard to resist
  • Ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for those busy weeknights
  • Can be served as a sandwich, salad, or even as a snack
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too fancy—just simple, fresh ingredients that pack a ton of flavor!

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get started! This recipe is a breeze to make, and I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can follow along easily.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need:

  • 2 – 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, poached, cooled and diced into 2″ cubes
  • 2 large stalks of celery, cut into 2″ pieces
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion, cut into 2″ pieces
  • 1/4 cup pickle relish (sweet or dill)
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup Mayonnaise made with Olive Oil
  • 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 tsp. celery salt
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step 2: Process the Ingredients

In a 6-quart food processor or larger fitted with a blade, add all the ingredients. Process for several seconds, then scrape down the sides and continue processing until you reach your desired consistency. Some people like their chicken salad smooth, while others prefer a chunkier texture—so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Step 3: Season to Taste

Once you’ve got your desired consistency, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more mayo for creaminess, a pinch of salt for depth, or a dash of pepper for a bit of kick. This is your chance to make it truly special!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipe ever:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh celery and onion make a big difference in the flavor. Don’t skimp on the quality!
  • Don’t over-process: Keep an eye on the food processor to avoid making the salad too smooth. You want to retain some texture for that perfect bite.
  • Let it chill: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s worth the wait!

How to Serve

Now comes the fun part—serving! There are so many ways to enjoy this Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipe:

  • Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce for a light and refreshing salad
  • Pile it high on your favorite bread for a delicious chicken salad sandwich
  • Use it as a topping for a fresh green salad
  • Enjoy it with crackers or veggies for a quick snack

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’re ready to go!

And there you have it, folks—a Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipe that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, a tasty addition to your weeknight dinner ideas, or even a new twist on easy pasta recipes, this recipe has got you covered. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Looking for more chicken salad inspiration? Check out these other great recipes:

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using the hashtag #SouthernStyleChickenSalad. I can’t wait to see what you make!

Delicious Southern-style chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread with lettuce.

Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipe

A classic Southern-style chicken salad with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a hint of pickle relish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 - 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts poached, cooled and diced into 2" cubes
  • 2 stalks celery cut into 2" pieces
  • 0.5 medium sweet onion cut into 2" pieces
  • 0.25 cup pickle relish sweet or dill
  • 0.5 - 0.75 cup Mayonnaise made with Olive Oil
  • 2 eggs hard boiled eggs chopped
  • 1 tsp. celery salt
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In 6 quart food processor or larger fitted with blade, add all ingredients. Process for several seconds, then scrape down sides and process until desired consistency.
  • Store covered, in refrigerator.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add a bit more mayonnaise. For extra tang, increase the amount of pickle relish to your liking.
Keyword chicken
A portrait of Mia, the author of echickenrecipes.com, a fair-skinned woman with reddish-brown hair, bangs, and blue eyes, smiling warmly at the camera.


Mia
- Chicken lover, home cook, and the creator of E-Chicken Recipes!

I started this blog because I believe chicken recipes should be easy, tasty, and fun to make. Here, you’ll find simple chicken meals, helpful tips, and ideas to make cooking easier — whether you’re new to the kitchen or just want to try something new with chicken.

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