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Here’s a detailed, unique article on Carolina Chicken Salad, including a step-by-step guide to make it. 🍗🥗

Carolina Chicken Salad: A Fresh, Tangy Southern Classic

If you’re craving a dish that’s crisp, creamy, and packed with flavor, Carolina Chicken Salad is your answer. Unlike ordinary chicken salads, this Southern-inspired version balances the sweetness of apples, the crunch of celery and pecans, and a tangy dressing that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck, this salad is simple to make yet sophisticated in taste.

Ingredients

To make Carolina Chicken Salad for 4–6 servings, you’ll need:

For the salad:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
2 celery stalks, diced
1 small red apple, diced (leave skin on for color and texture)
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, for a sweet-tart touch)

For the dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnish:

Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Extra pecans for topping

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Using warm, freshly cooked chicken will give your salad a richer flavor, but cold rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quicker version. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

Dice the celery, apple, and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Consistency ensures every forkful gets a perfect mix of flavors and textures. If you prefer, you can lightly toss the apple in a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.