Introduction
Carolina Chicken Salad is a classic Southern favorite known for its balance of creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and a slight tang from mustard and vinegar. Lightly sweet, savory, and refreshing, it’s ideal for lunches, picnics, or quick dinners.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins:
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish or chopped dill pickles
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or almonds
- ½ cup red or green grapes, halved
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard gives a classic Carolina tang.
- Mayo: Duke’s mayonnaise is traditional in the South.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients
- Add chicken, celery, and red onion.
- Gently stir until evenly coated.
- Adjust & Chill
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Chill at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Serve
- Serve on toasted bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
💡 Tips
- Finely chop vegetables for better texture.
- Chill before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Add a splash of pickle juice for extra tang.
🔄 Variations
- Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad: Add a spoon of vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
- Light Version: Substitute half mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce.
- Fruity: Mix in apples or dried cranberries.
