Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe: A Southern Delight

Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe is a classic dish passed down for generations. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether preparing lunch or hosting a gathering, this chicken salad is always a hit. I’ve been making this Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe for years, and people always ask for more whenever I share this recipe. If you love Southern comfort food, you’ll want to try The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe.

Ingredients For The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe

To make the Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe, gather the following ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie chicken)
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh red onion
• 1/4 cup of chopped boiled eggs (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These fresh ingredients come together to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful chicken salad.

Step-by-Step Guide To Prepare The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe

Cook and Shred the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken. You can use fresh rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook fresh chicken breasts. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Chop the Vegetables

Then, finely chop the celery and red onion. These vegetables give the salad a nice crunch and flavor.

Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

Add Optional Ingredients

Add chopped boiled eggs for extra richness and flavor.

Season

Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is even.

Garnish and Serve

Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve the Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe on a bed of lettuce, in sandwiches, or in a wrap.

Serving And Enjoying The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe

When serving The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe, scoop it into bowls for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect on a warm day and serves as a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve it in a sandwich or wrap with fresh bread. Each bite is creamy and savory and has the right balance of sweetness and tang. Enjoy the comforting flavors of the South with every spoonful.

Chef’s Tips to Make The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe Delicious

Rotisserie Chicken

For a quicker preparation, opt for rotisserie chicken. It adds more flavor and saves you the trouble of cooking and shredding the chicken.

Chill Before Serving

Let the chicken salad chill in the active fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the attractive flavors meld together and gives the salad a creamy texture.

Customize the Veggies

If you like crunching, add finely diced bell peppers or cucumbers. They add freshness and a bit of color to the dish.

Make it Lighter

For a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will still give you creaminess but with fewer calories.

Season Gradually

When adding salt and pepper, taste as you go. This helps to balance the flavors without over-seasoning.

Add Fresh Herbs

For extra flavor, sprinkle in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley. They add a fresh note that complements the chicken perfectly.

Sweeten It Up

If you like a sweeter touch, add more pickle relish or a spoonful of honey to the dressing. This will enhance the balance between the creaminess and sweetness.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice has a different flavor from bottled lemon juice. It adds a brighter, fresher note to the dressing.

Don’t Overmix

Gently mix the chicken and the dressing so the chicken isn’t mashed. This keeps the texture intact and makes the salad more appetizing.

Garnish with Crunchy Nuts

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some toasted pecans or slivered almonds on top before serving. It adds a nice crunch and depth to the salad.

These tips will help elevate The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe, making it even more flavorful and satisfying!

Nutrition Information For The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe

• Calories: 250–300 kcal
• Protein: 20–25 g
• Total Fat: 18–22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3–5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 50–60 mg
• Carbohydrates: 6–8 g
  • Fiber: 1–2 g
  • Sugar: 4–6 g
• Sodium: 300–400 mg
• Potassium: 250–300 mg
• Vitamin A: 4%–6% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 2%–4% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 6%–8% of Daily Value
• Iron: 4%–6% of Daily Value

Note

• These values are based on typical ingredients like mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish. You can lower the calorie count by substituting lighter mayo or Greek yogurt.
• To get exact nutritional information, it’s best to enter your specific ingredients and quantities into a nutrition calculator.

The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and absolutely nourishing meal or snack.

Related Recipe Names, Ingredients, And Step-By-Step Guide To Preparing Those Recipes For The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe

Southern Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

Ingredients For The Southern Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans 

• 3 cups cooked fresh chicken, finely chopped or shredded (roasted or boiled)
• 1 cup seedless red or green fresh grapes, halved
• ½ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke ‘s-style preferred for Southern flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh, clean lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, for subtle sweetness)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup celery, finely chopped (optional, for extra crunch)

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Southern Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

• Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, boil or roast the chicken until fully done. Let it cool, then finely chop or shred for a tender texture.
• Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry, clean skillet over medium heat for at least 3–4 minutes, until fragrant. Let cool, then chop.
• Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard (if using), lemon juice, sugar or honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
• Combine the Salad: Add chicken, grapes, pecans, and celery (if using) to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
• Chill for Best Flavor: Now, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve: Serve chilled on buttery croissants, sandwich bread, crackers, or over crisp lettuce leaves.

Classic Southern Chicken Salad with Mayo and Mustard

Ingredients For The Classic Southern Chicken Salad with Mayo and Mustard 

• 3 cups cooked fresh chicken, finely chopped or shredded
• (boiled, baked, or rotisserie)
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or full-fat mayo for authentic Southern flavor)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (classic Southern choice)
• ¼ cup celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped bread-and-butter pickles)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of paprika or celery seed

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Classic Southern Chicken Salad with Mayo and Mustard

• Cook and Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken until tender and fully done. Let it cool completely, then finely chop or shred for a soft, creamy texture.
• Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
• Add Crunch and Flavor: Mix in the diced celery and sweet pickle relish. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
• Combine with Chicken: Add the chopped chicken to the bowl. Fold gently until all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired. Sprinkle in paprika or celery seed if using.
• Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
• Serve: Serve chilled on soft white bread, buttery croissants, crackers, or over fresh lettuce leaves.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Ingredients For The Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad 

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• (rotisserie or boiled works well)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped
• ¾ cup fresh mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh, clean lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped celery or green onions

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

• Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken until fully done. Let it cool, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
• Toast the Walnuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3–4 minutes, until fragrant. Cool and chop.
• Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together fresh mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, dried cranberries, walnuts, and celery or green onions (if using). Gently fold until evenly coated.
• Chill and Adjust: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve: Serve chilled on croissants, whole-grain bread, wraps, or over mixed greens.

Southern Style Chicken Salad with Pickles

Ingredients For The Southern Style Chicken Salad with Pickles 

• 3 cups cooked fresh chicken, finely chopped or shredded
• (boiled, baked, or rotisserie)
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (Duke ’s-style preferred for authentic Southern taste)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional but traditional)
• ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
• (or bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter version)
• 2 tablespoons pickle juice
• ¼ cup celery, finely diced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of paprika or celery seed

Step-by-Step Guide To Preparing The Southern Style Chicken Salad with Pickles

• Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken until tender and fully done. Let it cool completely, then finely chop or shred for a creamy texture.
• Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard (if using), pickle juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
• Add the Crunch: Stir in the chopped pickles and diced celery, mixing gently.
• Combine with Chicken: Add the prepared chicken to the bowl. Fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning—add more pickle juice, salt, or pepper if needed. Sprinkle in paprika or celery seed if desired.
• Chill: Now, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve: Serve chilled on soft white bread, toasted buns, crackers, or over crisp lettuce leaves.

These recipes share similar flavors and ingredients, often with a Southern twist, and are great alternatives or variations to The Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe!

FAQ For The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe

Conclusion

The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla, this Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe will surely be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, filled with rich, attractive ingredients, and full of Southern charm. Don’t miss out on this creamy, satisfying recipe—your taste buds will thank you!