Classic Southern Chicken Salad Chick Olivia’s Old South Recipe

Southern charm meets culinary delight in this chicken salad chick Olivia’s old south recipe that brings comfort straight to your plate.

Generations of flavor meld together in every creamy, perfectly seasoned bite.

Home cooks have long treasured this classic southern staple for its rich, homemade taste.

Tender chicken blends seamlessly with carefully selected ingredients, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.

Each spoonful tells a story of traditional southern cooking passed down through loving hands.

The recipe captures the essence of comfort food with its simple yet remarkable combination of ingredients.

Let this chicken salad transport you to a warm kitchen filled with love and southern hospitality.

FAQs

• Why use Duke's mayonnaise specifically?

Duke’s mayonnaise has a unique tangy flavor and richer consistency that enhances chicken salad, providing a more authentic southern taste compared to other mayo brands.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to blend and develop more depth. You can safely store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• How fine should I chop the celery?

Chop the celery into tiny, almost invisible pieces. The goal is to add crunch without creating large, noticeable chunks that might disrupt the smooth texture of the chicken salad.

• Is there a substitute for sweet pickle relish?

If you don’t have sweet pickle relish, you can use finely chopped dill pickles with a small pinch of sugar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor profile of the original recipe.

Why This Chicken Salad Recipe Stands Out

• Experience a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes that dance together, creating a mouthwatering combination of pickle relish, mayo, and perfectly seasoned chicken.
• Enjoy this chicken salad in multiple ways – spread on bread, paired with crackers, or nestled on a crisp bed of greens, making it a flexible dish for any meal or gathering.
• Delight in a classic Southern-style recipe that brings nostalgic flavors and comfort, perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a satisfying lunch at home.

Ingredients in Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breast: The star ingredient that provides a tender and flavorful base for the salad.

• Celery, Onion Powder: These ingredients add a subtle crunch and depth of flavor to the chicken salad.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Provide additional protein and a creamy texture to complement the shredded chicken.

• Duke's Mayonnaise: A classic Southern-style mayonnaise that brings creaminess and rich flavor to the salad.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that balances the savory chicken.

How to Make This Creamy, Southern-Inspired Salad

Step 1: Expertly Shred Chicken

Break down chicken breasts into fine, delicate strands using a food processor, stand mixer, or two forks.

Create soft, uniform shreds that will blend smoothly into the salad mixture.

The goal is achieving a consistent texture that melts in your mouth.

• Chicken breasts

Step 2: Finely Dice Celery

Transform celery into microscopic pieces using a razor-sharp knife.

Chop until the vegetable practically disappears, ensuring a subtle crunch without overwhelming bites.

Precision is key for creating a balanced salad experience.

• Fresh celery

Step 3: Prepare Hard-Boiled Eggs

Gently dice hard-boiled eggs into small, uniform cubes.

Ensure each piece is bite-sized and evenly distributed throughout the salad.

• Hard-boiled eggs

Step 4: Blend Flavor Makers

Combine all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl.

Fold together gently but thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

• Shredded chicken
• Diced celery
• Chopped eggs
• Sweet pickle relish
• Duke's mayonnaise
• Onion powder

Step 5: Chill and Marry Flavors

Transfer the chicken salad to a sealed container.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Scoop chicken salad onto fresh bread, crisp crackers, or a bed of mixed greens.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Savor the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

Tips for Texture, Flavor, and Chill Time

• Use a food processor or Kitchen Aid for ultra-fine chicken shreds that create a smooth, consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Mince celery so finely that pieces are nearly invisible, ensuring crunch without overwhelming bites or chunky textures.
• Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, which helps ingredients blend and intensifies the overall taste profile.
• Pair the chicken salad with fresh bread, crispy crackers, or layer over mixed greens to create multiple delicious serving experiences.
• Use Duke's mayonnaise and a light sprinkle of onion powder to enhance the salad's flavor without making it too heavy or complicated.

How to Store Chicken Salad the Right Way

• Transfer chicken salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it sealed tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Avoid freezing this chicken salad due to mayonnaise content, which can separate and change texture when thawed. Mayonnaise-based salads lose quality and become watery after freezing.
• Consume chicken salad cold straight from the refrigerator. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore original consistency. Do not microwave or heat, as this will negatively impact texture and taste.
• Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination. Keep chicken salad chilled at or below 40°F during serving and storage to maintain food safety standards.

Sides and Bread to Pair With Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy mayonnaise and complements the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken salad and add a bright, peppery contrast.
• Match with Buttery Chardonnay: Choose an unoaked Chardonnay that enhances the dish's creamy texture and provides a smooth, subtle background note to the salad's complex flavors.
• Serve with Artisan Crackers: Select whole grain or seeded crackers that offer a crunchy texture and nutty undertone, elevating the overall taste experience of the chicken salad.

Ideas to Customize This Classic With a Twist

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace bread or crackers with large lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious alternative. Use butter lettuce or romaine for sturdy, fresh wrapping that keeps the protein-packed chicken salad intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap Duke's mayonnaise with vegan mayo or mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free option. Ensure all ingredients align with dairy-free dietary requirements while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
• Greek Yogurt Healthier Spin: Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce calories and increase protein content. This modification provides a tangy twist while keeping the traditional chicken salad texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve the chicken salad with gluten-free crackers or rice cakes. Double-check all ingredients to confirm they are certified gluten-free, especially the pickle relish and mayonnaise brands.