Sweet and Tangy Southern Chicken Salad
Delight your taste buds with this Sweet and Tangy Southern Chicken Salad, featuring tender diced chicken combined with crunchy celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a zesty dressing that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or a refreshing lunch option, making it a must-try recipe from the 'Taste of Home Country Chicken' collection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg yolks
2 (whisked)
sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
cider vinegar
1/4 cup (apple cider)
prepared mustard
2 teaspoons (yellow or Dijon)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (unsalted, melted)
milk
2 tablespoons (whole or 2%)
mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 tablespoons (preferably mayonnaise)
diced cooked chicken
4 cups (cooked and cooled)
diced celery
1 1/2 cups (fresh)
hard-boiled eggs
3 (chopped)
finely chopped onions
2 tablespoons (white or green onions)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, apple cider vinegar, prepared mustard, and salt until fully combined.
2
Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency, which should take about 5–10 minutes.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
4
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.
5
Once chilled, add the milk and mayonnaise to the egg mixture and stir until smooth and well combined.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, diced celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and finely chopped onions.
7
Pour the chilled dressing over the chicken mixture and gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
8
Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Tangy Southern Chicken Salad?
This is a flavorful dish featuring tender diced chicken combined with crunchy celery, hard-boiled eggs, and a zesty dressing that balances sweetness and tanginess.
How many egg yolks are required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 whisked egg yolks.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.
Can I use different types of mustard?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of either yellow or Dijon prepared mustard.
How much cooked chicken is needed?
You will need 4 cups of diced cooked and cooled chicken.
Is celery included in this chicken salad?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of fresh diced celery.
How many hard-boiled eggs should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs.
How long does the dressing take to thicken on the stove?
It should take about 5 to 10 minutes over low heat to reach a custard-like consistency.
How long should the cooked dressing mixture chill?
The dressing mixture should be refrigerated for 30 minutes before adding the milk and mayonnaise.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2 tablespoons of either butter or margarine.
What kind of milk is recommended?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either whole or 2% milk.
Is mayonnaise the only option for the creamy base?
You can use either 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or salad dressing.
What type of onions are best for this salad?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of finely chopped white or green onions.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How long should the final salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the purpose of chilling the salad?
Chilling allows the various flavors to meld together for a better taste.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for summer picnics and family gatherings.
What is the source collection for this recipe?
This recipe comes from the 'Taste of Home Country Chicken' collection.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
What texture should the cooked dressing reach?
The mixture should thicken until it has a custard-like consistency.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be finely chopped.
Can I serve this salad warm?
No, it is intended to be served chilled after refrigeration.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal.
What heat setting should I use for the dressing?
You should use low heat and stir constantly.
When do I add the butter to the dressing?
Stir in the butter after removing the thickened egg mixture from the heat.
What ingredients are whisked together first?
Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cider vinegar, mustard, and salt.
How should the hard-boiled eggs be prepared?
The hard-boiled eggs should be chopped before being added to the salad.
What is the preparation for the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked, cooled, and then diced.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy meal and a southern comfort food classic.