The Ultimate Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

My chicken salad with relish is one of the recipes I make on repeat for easy lunches throughout the week. I fold tender chicken, crunchy apples, celery, almonds, and tangy pickle relish together for a sweet-and-savory chicken salad that’s packed with texture and flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or scooping onto crackers.

There’s nothing more refreshing and filling than a creamy, chunky homemade chicken salad, and this version with relish is one of my favorite upgrades on this classic dish. After several trials and feedback from friends and family, I’ve finally perfected this recipe. It strikes the right balance of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, with a medley of tastes and textures from the celery, apples, sliced toasted almonds, and sweet pickle relish. Like my cranberry walnut chicken salad, it’s savory, slightly sweet, and crunchy. I always serve myself a heaping scoop of this creamy chicken salad… Whether it’s piled high over some toasted bread, on top of a bed of fresh lettuce, or served as a dip with some crackers, this recipe is seriously tasty!

Katie – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This takes chicken salad to an all new level! I love the flavors and the combinations of sweet and savory. Perfect lunch!

Sommer’s Recipe Highlights

Quick and Easy – This flavor-packed chicken salad is so easy to make that you can pull it together in minutes. I simply chop up some celery, apples, and fresh herbs. Then shred a store-bought chicken, squeeze in some mayo, and stir in a handful of sweet pickle relish. That’s it!

Great for Meal Prep – I love to make a big batch of this salad at the beginning of the week and then keep it on hand for a quick and easy lunch, or after-work snack. Like with my famous potato salad recipe, it actually tastes even better once the ingredients have had some time to settle and chill in the fridge.

Versatile – There are so many delicious ways to eat this tender chicken salad. You can pile it high on a buttery toasted croissant, serve it inside of a lettuce wrap for a more nutritious option, enjoy it with some rice or cooked lentils, or just eat it as a snack with classic crackers!

Key Ingredients and Tips

• Rotisserie chicken – To save some time, I love to use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient and always pretty tender, so it’s easy to shred or chop. You can always roast chicken breasts, or bone-in pieces, at home if you’ve got the time! I definitely prefer using both white and dark meat to make this salad, but you can go with just cooked breasts if you prefer.
• Mayonnaise – Creamy mayonnaise makes a rich base that helps tie together all the flavors and herbs. You can use a light or regular full-fat version here.
• Celery – For a pop of color and crunch, I love to add in some fresh chopped celery.
• Apple – Use whatever type of apple you prefer, just make sure that it’s firm. It adds the perfect hint of sweetness that really balances out all the flavors.
• Sweet pickle relish – For that tangy twist, I stir in some sweet pickle relish or dill relish, whatever I have on hand. I’m obsessed with pickles, so this is really the perfect addition to add a pop of flavor.
• Almonds – A handful of freshly toasted almonds adds a subtle nuttiness and buttery crunch to every bite.
• Dijon mustard – For some added depth and a burst of bold flavor, I mix in Dijon mustard. Yellow mustard also works, but it’s just a bit milder.

How to Make

printable form at the bottom of the post.

Toast the almonds – To kick off this recipe, I always start by toasting the almonds to get just the right amount of smokiness. I let them brown for a couple of minutes until they’re golden, and then I set them aside to cool.

Prep the chicken – Next, if I’m using rotisserie chicken, I remove the skin and shred the meat off the bones. I chop up the meat and set it aside. A fork is great for pulling the meat off the bone, but you can get in there with your hands as well!

Add the flavors – Then, I add a heaping scoop of mayo, mustard, chopped celery, and apples, some sweet pickle relish, sliced scallions, fresh dill, and the toasted almonds. I like my salad extra creamy, so I add in quite a bit of mayo here!

Stir – Finally, I stir everything up and make sure all the ingredients are coated in that sweet and tangy sauce. Be gentle, so you don’t break up all the chicken pieces. It’s nice to have some good chunks in there!

Chill – I always cover and chill this chicken salad for a couple of hours before serving it. This brings the temperature down and allows the flavors to mix and mingle.

Recipe Variations

• Fruit – I love swapping the apple for grapes, or using both together for an extra-sweet, tangy burst of flavor. The juicy fruit adds wonderful texture and freshness to every bite.
• Nuts – When I want to change things up, I use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds. Each adds its own unique nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Greek yogurt – For a lighter version, I replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It keeps the chicken salad creamy while adding a delicious, tangy flavor.
• Herbs – Fresh herbs are an easy way to customize this recipe. I like adding parsley, tarragon, or thyme alongside the dill, or swapping them in for a completely different herby twist.
• Spicy – When I’m in the mood for a little heat, I stir in a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños. It adds just enough kick to balance the creamy dressing.
• Cranberry – Dried cranberries are one of my favorite additions because they bring a sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and relish.
• Avocado – For an extra creamy, rich version, I fold in diced avocado just before serving. It makes the salad feel even more luxurious and satisfying.
• Smoky – A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder adds a subtle smoky depth that completely transforms the flavor profile.
• Curry – When I want something unexpected, I mix in 1–2 teaspoons of curry powder. It gives the chicken salad a warm, savory flavor with just a hint of sweetness and spice.