- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilled resting time if desired)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
- Macros (per serving, approx.):
Protein 28g • Carbs 8g • Fat 20g • Fiber 1 g
Introduction
This Creamy Southern Chicken Salad is a true comfort food classic—rich, indulgent, and full of flavor. Tender chicken meets a creamy, tangy dressing with just the right hint of sweetness, accented by crisp celery, fresh herbs, and a touch of crunch.
Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or as a protein-packed salad on its own, this recipe hits all the right notes for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s a southern-inspired favorite that balances creaminess with fresh textures, making it perfect for lunches, picnics, or easy dinner prep.
Whether you’re following a low-carb, Weight Watchers, or high-protein lifestyle, this southern-style chicken salad can be tailored to your preferences without losing flavor.
Look at the recipe.
- Creamy, flavorful dressing with a touch of tang and sweetness
- Tender, protein-rich chicken with crisp veggies
- Quick assembly, perfect for meal prep or sandwiches
Ingredients Needed
Chicken Salad Base
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (skinless, roasted or poached)
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or fat-free depending on plan)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or sugar-free sweetener
Serving Ideas
- Leafy greens for a salad
- Low-carb wraps or lettuce cups
- Whole-grain crackers or sandwich bread
How to Make Our Creamy Southern Chicken Salad
- Prepare the chicken. Dice or shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the veggies. In a large bowl, combine celery, red onion, eggs (if using), and parsley.
- Make the dressing. Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, and optional sweetener in a small bowl.
- Combine everything. Toss the chicken and vegetables with the dressing until fully coated.
- Chill for best flavor. Refrigerate 30–60 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tip: Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less mayonnaise to your liking.
Macros & Plan Compatibility
| Plan | Notes |
|---|---|
| Keto & Low-Carb |  Use full-fat mayo and skip sweet additions; ~8g net carbs per serving. |
| Slimming |  Use fat-free mayo to reduce syns (~3–4 syns per serving). |
| High-Protein | High protein with chicken; ~28 g per serving. |
| Weight Watchers | 5–6 SmartPoints per serving using full-fat mayo; can reduce to 1–2 points with fat-free mayo. |
| Mediterranean | Rich in protein and healthy fats; best as a meal with leafy greens or whole-grain crackers. |
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Serving Ideas
- Spoon over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb salad
- Use as a sandwich filling or wrap
- Serve with sliced avocado or pickles for added texture
Tips & FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for an hour or more.
What chicken works best?
Poached, roasted, or leftover rotisserie chicken all work perfectly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free. Eggs are optional.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, using fat-free mayo keeps carbs minimal; omit sweetener for strict low-carb.
How can I make it Weight Watchers-friendly?
Use fat-free mayo and skip optional honey to reduce SmartPoints.