Southern Style Chicken Salad

There’s something utterly delightful about serving a refreshing dish of Southern Style Chicken Salad on a warm day. Growing up, my family often gathered for picnics, and this salad was a staple. The vibrant colors of the ingredients always caught my eye, and the sweet crunch of grapes paired with tender chunks of chicken was a combination I could never resist. As we spread blankets on the grass, I would eagerly await the moment someone would scoop a generous portion onto my plate, drizzled with a creamy dressing. Each bite was a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, making it the perfect dish for lunch or a light dinner. Even today, every time I prepare Southern Style Chicken Salad, I’m transported back to those sunny afternoons filled with laughter and good company.

What’s In This Southern Style Chicken Salad

The ingredients in Southern Style Chicken Salad are thoughtfully chosen to create a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the last. With the combination of juicy chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans, this salad is not just food; it’s an experience.

• ½ Rotisserie Chicken: Chopped or shredded, this is the star of the dish, providing a savory base that’s rich in flavor.
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise: This creamy element binds the salad together, ensuring each ingredient is coated perfectly for a luscious mouthfeel.
• 1 stalk of celery: Chopped small, it adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness to the mix.
• 1 cup dark purple grapes: Sweet and juicy, they bring a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients; remember to taste and adjust as you go.
• 1 teaspoon black cracked pepper: Adds a warm kick that complements the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy flavor that ties the salad together nicely.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A touch of garlic flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the salad and adds a zesty freshness that brings everything to life.
• ½ cup chopped pecans: For additional crunch and nuttiness that elevates the texture of the salad.

Instructions for Southern Style Chicken Salad

Making Southern Style Chicken Salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to whip up a delicious dish that everyone will love. Trust me, the satisfaction of serving this salad is unparalleled.

1. Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Take the rotisserie chicken and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring you have enough for a hearty serving. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, making it perfect for this salad.
2. Next, grab a medium-sized bowl and add the chopped chicken to it. This will form the base of your salad, so make sure it’s well-distributed for even mixing.
3. Now, toss in the mayonnaise. The amount can be adjusted based on your preference for creaminess, but aim for a balance that holds the salad together without overpowering it.
4. Add the chopped celery and sweet grapes to the bowl. As you mix, you’ll start to see the vibrant colors come together, making the salad not just tasty but visually appealing as well.
5. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black cracked pepper, ground cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder. Each spice adds a layer of flavor, so take a moment to appreciate the aromatic blend.
6. Now it’s time for the lemon juice. This ingredient brightens the overall flavor profile and enhances the freshness of the salad. Squeeze it directly into the bowl, letting its zesty goodness mingle with the other ingredients.
7. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans. This step adds a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the grapes.
8. Once everything is in the bowl, use a rubber spatula to mix gently. You want to ensure that all ingredients are combined without breaking the grapes or over-mixing the chicken.
9. After mixing, cover the bowl and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious taste when served.
10. When it’s time to serve, you can place the Southern Style Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or use it as a filling for sandwiches. Enjoy it as is or with your favorite sides!

Recipe Notes about Southern Style Chicken Salad

While making Southern Style Chicken Salad is straightforward, here are some tips to enhance your experience:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and tasty.
• Freezing: It’s not advisable to freeze this salad, as the mayonnaise can separate when thawed.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, including crispy crackers, fresh fruit, or even a light soup.
• Customization: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Add additional ingredients like diced apples or nuts for a unique twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it on lettuce wraps, as a sandwich filling, or as a standalone dish.

Serving This Southern Style Chicken Salad

When it comes to serving Southern Style Chicken Salad, there are countless delightful options. Consider the following ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• On a Bed of Greens: Serve the salad atop a bed of crisp lettuce or mixed greens for a refreshing option. This adds a healthy crunch and looks beautiful on the plate.
• Sandwiches: Use this salad as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Pair it with toasted bread or a soft croissant for a delightful lunch.
• Picnics: This dish is perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Package it in individual containers, and serve with crackers for easy consumption.
• Colorful Platter: Create a serving platter with the chicken salad surrounded by fresh veggies or chips. This makes a stunning presentation and encourages guests to help themselves.
• Warm Weather Affair: Ideal for summer barbecues or gatherings, this salad is light and refreshing, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Pair with Side Dishes: Serve alongside fruits, chips, or light soups to create a well-rounded meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Southern Style Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food. Its creamy, savory, and sweet notes come together to create a meal that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to gather the ingredients and try making it for yourself. You won’t regret it; it’s a true crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed in so many ways!

Southern Style Chicken Salad

An easy and delicious dish that will satisfy your cravings, Southern Style Chicken Salad is creamy, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, juicy grapes, and crunchy pecans, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• ½ Rotisserie Chicken Rotisserie Chicken chopped or shredded
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise
• 1 stalk Celery chopped small
• 1 cup dark purple grapes cut in half
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt plus more per taste
• 1 teaspoon black cracked pepper plus more per taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 Tbs lemon juice
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

 

• Prepare all of the ingredients by chopping, slicing, or whatever is required.
• Place all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
• Mix gently with a rubber spatula.
• Serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use fully cooked fresh chicken for this dish.
• Tip 2: Always use a combination of the flavors indicated above (chicken, creamy, sweet, sour, crunchy and seasoning) and you’ll be golden.
• Tip 3: Serve on a bed of lettuce or other greens (especially terrific with bitter greens) with crackers.
• Tip 4: Serve on a toasted bun - something with some toothiness is wonderful - like a pretzel bun or a croissant is perfect.
• Tip 5: When you toast the bun, add just a smidge of butter and a sprinkle of salt for extra crispiness.

Keyword Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad, Southern Chicken Salad, Summer Salad

Previous PostInstant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry

Next Post Spatchcock Chicken

Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.