Why You’ll Love this Classic Chicken Salad
If you’re searching for the perfect lunch recipe that never disappoints, this classic chicken salad might just become your new favorite. There’s something magical about the combination of tender diced chicken and crisp celery, all bound together with that creamy dressing of mayonnaise and Durkee’s relish spread.
What makes this Frances Virginia Tea Room recipe so special? It’s the simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients, no fancy techniques, yet the result is something truly memorable. I’m particularly fond of how versatile it is—serve it on lettuce for a light meal, between slices of bread for a hearty sandwich, or atop crackers for an elegant appetizer. And that suggestion to garnish with tomato aspic and green olives? Pure Southern charm.
What Ingredients are in Classic Chicken Salad?
Classic chicken salad is one of those timeless recipes that combines tender chicken with creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. The Frances Virginia Tea Room version offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes for a delightful lunch or light dinner option. Their recipe has stood the test of time because it sticks to the fundamentals while adding just enough unique touches to make it special.
When gathering ingredients for this chicken salad, quality matters. The chicken should be well-cooked but not dry—rotisserie chicken works wonderfully if you’re short on time. The Durkee’s relish sandwich spread might be harder to find in some grocery stores, but it adds a distinctive tangy flavor that sets this recipe apart from standard chicken salads. If you can’t locate it, a combination of sweet pickle relish and a touch of mustard could work as a substitute. Remember, the amount of mayo can always be adjusted to reach your preferred level of creaminess, so feel free to start with less and add more as needed.
- 2½ cups diced cooked chicken
- 1¼ cups diced celery
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Durkee’s relish sandwich spread
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Tomato aspic ring (optional, for garnish)
- Green stuffed olives (optional, for garnish)
How to Make this Classic Chicken Salad
Making this classic chicken salad couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely delightful. Start by combining 2½ cups of diced cooked chicken with 1¼ cups of diced celery in a large mixing bowl. The chicken should be cool but not cold, as this helps it absorb the flavors better. You want the chicken pieces to be uniform in size—about ½-inch cubes work perfectly—and the celery should be crisp and freshly chopped.
Now for the dressing that brings everything together. Mix 1 cup of mayonnaise with ¼ cup of Durkee’s relish sandwich spread in a separate small bowl until smooth and well blended. This special dressing combination gives the salad its distinctive tangy flavor that elevates it beyond ordinary chicken salad. Pour just enough of this mixture over the chicken and celery to moisten everything nicely, but not so much that it becomes soggy—nobody wants a soup-like chicken salad, right? Gently fold the ingredients together with a rubber spatula, being careful not to mash the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it one final gentle stir. For best results, prepare this recipe using a quality mixing bowl from a Premium Tuscan cookware set that provides even temperature control when chilling the salad.
For serving, arrange the chicken salad on crisp lettuce leaves for that classic presentation. Want to make it extra special? Garnish with a tomato aspic ring and a few green stuffed olives for a touch of color and complementary flavors. The contrast between the creamy salad and the bright, firm garnishes makes for both a visual and textural treat. If you’re feeling fancy, you might even add a sprinkle of paprika on top for a bit of color. This chicken salad is perfect for luncheons, light dinners, or elegant sandwiches when you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined than your everyday sandwich filling.
Classic Chicken Salad Substitutions and Variations
While the Frances Virginia Tea Room recipe creates a timeless chicken salad, numerous delicious variations can transform this dish to suit your pantry or preferences. I’m always amazed at how versatile chicken salad can be!
Swap Durkee’s relish for sweet pickle relish or capers for a tangy twist. Not a mayo fan? Greek yogurt works beautifully, adding protein and reducing calories. Trust me, you’ll hardly notice the difference.
For texture, consider adding sliced grapes, diced apples, or toasted walnuts. Curry powder transforms the entire profile into something exotic—just a teaspoon will do. Herbs like fresh dill, tarragon, or chives can brighten the flavor considerably.
Serving options? Beyond lettuce cups, try this on croissants, stuffed in avocado halves, or atop cucumber slices for elegant appetizers.
What to Serve with Classic Chicken Salad
A perfect chicken salad deserves equally delightful accompaniments to round out your meal. The Frances Virginia Tea Room tradition suggests serving this beloved chicken salad atop crisp lettuce with a Tomato Aspic ring and green stuffed olives for garnish—quite the elegant presentation.
I’m partial to adding some buttery croissants or thinly sliced sourdough to create memorable sandwiches. A side of fresh fruit, particularly grapes or sliced apples, provides a sweet contrast to the creamy salad. Haven’t tried potato chips with chicken salad? Trust me, that salty crunch is transformative.
For a complete tea room experience, serve with cucumber rounds, cheese straws, or deviled eggs. And what about beverages? Sweet tea or a light white wine, perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc, complements those creamy, tangy flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Throughout my years of making classic recipes, this Frances Virginia Tea Room chicken salad stands out as a timeless favorite. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, crisp celery, and that special dressing of mayonnaise and Durkee’s relish that creates the perfect balance of flavors.
What makes this recipe so enduring? Perhaps it’s the simplicity—just a handful of quality ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Or maybe it’s the versatility, working equally well at elegant luncheons or casual picnics.
I encourage you to make this chicken salad your own. Add a personal touch—maybe some grapes for sweetness or walnuts for crunch. The Frances Virginia version provides a wonderful foundation for creating your own family classic.
