Growing up in Florida, Publix was more than just a grocery store—it was a community hub. One of my fondest memories is sneaking bites of their famous chicken salad while mom shopped.
Years later, I’ve recreated this beloved Publix chicken salad recipe with a twist: a hint of lemon zest that brightens the flavors and takes me right back to those carefree childhood days.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Publix chicken salad recipe stands out with its perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. The secret? Finely diced celery and a touch of sweet relish, combined with tender chicken and a zesty mayo dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Equipment List:
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
Ingredients List:
- Cooked chicken breast, diced — 3 cups
- Mayonnaise — 1/2 cup
- Finely diced celery — 1/4 cup
- Sweet relish — 2 tablespoons
- Finely chopped onion — 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard — 1 teaspoon
- Salt — 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper — 1/4 teaspoon
- Zest of 1 lemon — optional, for that special twist
Publix Chicken Salad Recipe – Step by Step Guide
Step 1:
Start with the chicken. If you’re cooking it from scratch, poach or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool completely before dicing. For a true chicken salad experience, ensure the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This creates the creamy base that’s essential to a great chicken salad.
Step 3:
Add the diced celery and finely chopped onion to the mayo mixture. These veggies add a delightful crunch and subtle flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Step 4:
Gently fold in the diced chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the chicken’s texture.
Step 5:
If you’re using the lemon zest (my special twist on the classic Publix chicken salad recipe), sprinkle it over the mixture and fold it in gently. The citrus adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
Step 6:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the creamy dressing.
Chef’s Tips
- For the juiciest chicken, poach it in chicken broth with herbs for added flavor.
- Chill your mixing bowl before making the salad to keep everything crisp and fresh.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor in your Publix chicken salad recipe.
- Experiment with add-ins like grapes or chopped nuts for interesting texture variations.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
The versatility of this Publix chicken salad recipe makes it a perfect canvas for creating a variety of meals. Here are some delicious ways to serve and pair your chicken salad:
- Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce for a light and refreshing lunch.
- Spread between slices of whole grain bread with tomato and avocado for a hearty sandwich.
- Stuff into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for an elegant appetizer.
- Pair with a chilled gazpacho soup for a refreshing summer meal.
- Serve alongside a fruit salad for a balanced and colorful plate.
Store & Leftovers
Store your Publix chicken salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.
For a delicious twist, use leftover chicken salad as a filling for lettuce wraps or mix it with cooked pasta for a quick chicken pasta salad.
Nutritional Breakdown
Per serving (1/6 of recipe):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 2g
Encouragement to Share
Now that you’ve mastered this Publix chicken salad recipe, why not share your culinary creation with the world? Snap a photo of your beautiful chicken salad and post it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #MyPublixChickenSalad.
Don’t forget to tag us—we’d love to see your take on this classic recipe and hear about any unique twists you’ve added to make it your own!
Publix Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, diced 3 cups
- Mayonnaise 1/2 cup
- Finely diced celery 1/4 cup
- Sweet relish 2 tablespoons
- Finely chopped onion 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
- Salt 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
- Zest of 1 lemon optional, for that special twist
Instructions
- Start with the chicken. If you're cooking it from scratch, poach or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool completely before dicing. For a true chicken salad experience, ensure the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This creates the creamy base that's essential to a great chicken salad.
- Add the diced celery and finely chopped onion to the mayo mixture. These veggies add a delightful crunch and subtle flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Gently fold in the diced chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the chicken’s texture.
- If you’re using the lemon zest (my special twist on the classic Publix chicken salad recipe), sprinkle it over the mixture and fold it in gently. The citrus adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the creamy dressing.
Notes
- For the juiciest chicken, poach it in chicken broth with herbs for added flavor.
- Chill your mixing bowl before making the salad to keep everything crisp and fresh.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor in your Publix chicken salad recipe.
- Experiment with add-ins like grapes or chopped nuts for interesting texture variations.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.