Introduction
If you’re a fan of savory chicken salads, this recipe is perfect for you! It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
A plate of chicken salad, crackers, and veggies. Search “chicken salad” online, and you’ll find countless variations. Among them is my Southern Chicken Salad, a beloved dish from our restaurant that has garnered millions of views and rave reviews.
One of the common debates about chicken salad is whether it should be sweet or savory. While both versions have their merits, I’m excited to share my savory take on this classic dish. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. This salad is excellent served on a bed of lettuce, with crackers, on a croissant, or on light bread.
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Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken
- Celery
- Pecans
- Red Onion
- Dijon Mustard
- Dill or Sweet Relish
- Sugar
- Mayonnaise
Tools You’ll Need
- Hand Mixer
- Large Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare
- Perfect for a light meal or entertaining
- Easily adaptable to your taste
- High in protein and low in carbohydrates
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, pecans, red onion, Dijon mustard, relish, sugar, and mayonnaise.
- Mix with a hand mixer until well combined. If your chicken is not preseasoned (like rotisserie chicken), add salt, pepper, and your preferred seasonings.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Tips and Substitutions
- Any cooked chicken works well. Use freshly boiled or rotisserie chicken.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, or omit nuts altogether.
- Green onions can replace red onions.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley, basil, dill, or spices like curry, cinnamon, or garlic.
- Use sugar or a sugar substitute as desired.
- Both regular and light mayonnaise are suitable.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing and thawing are not recommended.
- Discard if left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
- If the salad is too dry, add more mayonnaise and stir.
Enjoy your savory chicken salad!