Best Olivia’s 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 recipe for years, and people always ask for more whenever I share it. If you love Southern comfort food, you’ll want to try The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe.
Ingredients for the Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe
To make the Best Olivia’s 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 Olivia’s 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 a wrap.
Serving and Enjoying the Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe
When serving The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe, scoop it into bowls for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect on a warm day and served 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.
Here are some Chef’s tips to make your The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe even more delicious
- Use 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 Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe, making it even more flavorful and satisfying!
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe based on standard ingredients and serving size. Please note that These estimated values may vary depending on ingredient brands and the exact portions used
Nutrition Information (per 1/2 cup serving)
- 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.
This The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and absolutely nourishing meal or snack.
Here are some related recipe names that pair well with or are similar to The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe
- Southern Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans
- Classic Southern Chicken Salad with Mayo and Mustard
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
- Southern Style Chicken Salad with Pickles
- Pineapple and Almond Chicken Salad
- Savory Chicken Salad with Celery and Apple
- Southern Chicken Salad with Bacon and Ranch
- Classic Chicken Salad with Boiled Eggs and Relish
- Avocado Chicken Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Chopped Chicken Salad with Sweet Pickles and Dill
These recipes share similar flavors and ingredients, often with a Southern twist, and are great alternatives or variations to The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe!
FAQ for the Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe
- Can I use leftover chicken for The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
- Can I make Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe beforehand?
You can prepare it in advance and also store it in the active fridge for up to 3 days.
- Is there a substitute for fresh sweet pickle relish in The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe?
You can use chopped pickles or a little honey mustard for a different flavor.
- Can I add fruit to The Best Olivia’s Old South Chicken Salad Recipe?
Yes, diced apples or grapes can add a sweet touch to the salad.
- Is the Best Olivias Old South Chicken Salad Recipe Spicy?
No, it’s not spicy, but you can add some hot, fresh sauce or chili flakes if you prefer a kick.
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!