Description
Carolina Chicken Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful Southern-style dish made with tender chicken, crisp celery, mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet relish. This Carolina chicken salad recipe is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, lettuce wraps, and easy lunch plates, offering a delicious balance of savory crunch and classic comfort-food flavor.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- Mayonnaise
- Celery, finely chopped
- Red onion or sweet onion, finely chopped
- Sweet pickle relish
- Yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika (optional)
- Chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and mustard. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Mix in the chopped celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
- Fold in chopped pecans or parsley if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more mayonnaise if you want a creamier texture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled on sandwiches, croissants, crackers, toast, or lettuce.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick shortcut.Chilling helps the flavors blend and improves texture.Eggs and pecans are optional but add richness and crunch.Best served cold and stirred before serving.
