Have you ever bitten into a delicious chicken salad sandwich and wondered, “Who came up with this amazing creation?” I definitely have! The question of who invented chicken salad seems like it should have a simple answer, but it turns out the history of this popular dish is surprisingly complicated and stretches across continents and centuries.
The Short Answer: It’s Complicated
If you’re looking for a quick answer about who invented chicken salad, I’ve got some disappointing news – there isn’t one clear inventor. Instead, chicken salad evolved over time with contributions from multiple cultures. However, there are some key figures and moments in its history:
- Liam Gray is often credited with creating the first commercial chicken salad in America in 1863 at his meat market in Rhode Island
- Early French chefs developed vinaigrette-based chicken salads in the early 1800s
- Chinese cuisine may have influenced early versions with cold chicken dishes in spiced oils
The European Origins of Chicken Salad
French Beginnings
The earliest documented chicken salad recipe I could find comes from a French-style recipe in an 1808 English cookbook. This early version was quite different from what most Americans think of as chicken salad today It consisted of
- Cooked chicken
- Vinaigrette dressing
- Diced shallots
- Minced parsley
This version bears more resemblance to what we might call a French-style salad than the mayo-heavy American version most of us are familiar with The timing is interesting because mayonnaise was just beginning to appear in cookbooks around the same time – first cited in a French cookbook in 1808!
English Variations
An early 19th century English recipe for chicken salad appears in Mrs, Beeton’s famous book of household management Her version featured
- Cold roast chicken placed on lettuce
- A dressing made from mixed mustard, sugar, salad oil, milk, vinegar, cayenne and salt
- Garnishes of hard-boiled eggs, cucumber slices, and boiled sliced beetroot
American Chicken Salad Evolution
Southern American Roots
Early American chicken salad recipes can be traced to 19th-century Southern cookbooks. Two notable examples:
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Sarah Rutledge’s “The Carolina Housewife: Or, House and Home” (1847) included “A Salad To Be Eaten With Cold Meat Or Fowl” that explained how to make mayonnaise from scratch before adding it to cold meats.
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Abby Fisher’s “What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking” (1881) described making homemade mayonnaise before adding it to chicken and white celery.
The Rhode Island Connection
One of the most frequently cited “origin stories” for American chicken salad comes from Rhode Island. According to various sources, including Willow Tree Poultry Farm:
“One of the first American forms of chicken salad was served by Town Meats in Wakefield, Rhode Island, in 1863. The original owner, Liam Gray, mixed his leftover chicken with mayonnaise, tarragon, and grapes. This became such a popular item that the meat market was converted to a delicatessen.”
This story has been repeated in many sources, though I couldn’t find primary documentation from the 1860s to verify it. What makes this version special is that it represents what many Americans think of as “classic” chicken salad – chicken with mayo, herbs, and fruit.
The Mayonnaise Revolution
The development of mayonnaise was crucial to the evolution of chicken salad as we know it today. Mayonnaise just sort of appeared in the late 1700s/early 1800s and quickly became associated with chicken:
- First cited in a French cookbook in 1808
- Appeared a couple years earlier in a German cookbook for a “Mayonnaise de poulet” (French for “Chicken in Mayonnaise”)
Before widespread refrigeration, mayonnaise was something made in hotel kitchens for rich people or made for special occasions. It was initially used for FANCY salads rather than everyday sandwiches.
As Jon O’Guin from Kitchen Catastrophe notes:
“Mayonnaise was in Waldorf Salad before it was on bread.”
The relatively cooler temperatures of America proved to be a bigger market for mayo-based salads. Southern ladies would gather in the summer for chicken salad bound with mayo and served in lettuce cups during the antebellum period.
Possible Chinese Influence
Some sources suggest that Chinese cuisine may have influenced early chicken salad. Willow Tree Poultry Farm states that “we can thank the Chinese for being the first to serve variations of chicken salad.”
These early Chinese versions might include dishes like:
- Khuo Shui Ji (Mouthwatering Chicken) – cold poached chicken served in a chili oil sauce
- Zui Ji (Drunken Chicken) – chicken cooked in flavored Shaoxing wine and served cold
However, there’s limited evidence that these Chinese dishes predated European chicken salads, so the claim remains somewhat uncertain.
Colonial Influence and Global Spread
An interesting aspect of chicken salad’s history involves colonial influence. French colonization of Vietnam may have played a role in spreading chicken salad preparations globally:
- France began colonizing Vietnam in the early 19th century
- France would retain control of “French Indochina” for almost 70 years
- This long association bred familiarity and intermingled cultural effects
- Vietnamese chicken salad often uses vinaigrette rather than mayo, potentially because Vietnam’s warmer climate makes mayo spoil faster
Modern Chicken Salad Variations
Today, chicken salad has evolved into countless regional and international variations:
American Variations:
- Classic American – chicken, mayo, celery, onions
- Southern Style – often includes eggs and sweet pickle relish
- Waldorf Chicken Salad – includes apples, walnuts, and grapes
- Curry Chicken Salad – with curry powder and sometimes raisins
International Variations:
- Vietnamese Chicken Salad – often with fish sauce, lime, and herbs
- Chinese Chicken Salad – typically with sesame oil and soy sauce
- Coronation Chicken (UK) – with curry flavors, created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation
Who Really Deserves Credit?
So who should get credit for inventing chicken salad? Here are the contenders:
- Liam Gray – credited with the first commercial American chicken salad in 1863
- Early French chefs – developed the first documented recipes in the early 1800s
- Chinese cooks – potentially created early versions with cold chicken in spiced oils
- Southern American women – developed and popularized recipes in the 19th century
- Modern figures like Lance Hill and James Beard who popularized specific versions
In reality, chicken salad seems to be one of those dishes that evolved gradually over time, with contributions from multiple cultures and countless home cooks who never wrote down their recipes.
Why Chicken Salad Became Popular
Several factors contributed to chicken salad’s enduring popularity:
- Practicality – it’s a great way to use leftover chicken
- Versatility – can be served as a sandwich, on lettuce, or on its own
- Commercial mayonnaise – brands like Hellmann’s made preparation easier
- Social gatherings – perfect for picnics and parties
- Adaptability – easily customized with different ingredients
Making Your Own Classic Chicken Salad
Want to try making a classic American-style chicken salad? Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: grapes, walnuts, apples, or herbs
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl
- Chill for at least 30 minutes
- Serve on bread, lettuce cups, or crackers
The history of chicken salad isn’t just about one inventor – it’s about how cultures influence each other and how dishes evolve over time. From French vinaigrettes to Chinese cold chicken preparations to American mayo-bound classics, chicken salad represents a true culinary mosaic.
As Jon O’Guin eloquently puts it:
“Chicken salad is a dish of multiple distinct ingredients, working for a whole. And each part supports and infuses the other. Its history is the same, a stream of varied causes and continuations, overlapping and influencing each other. It’s a jumbled, sticky mess, all barely bound together into a cohesive whole. And that’s what makes it great.”
I think that’s a beautiful way to think about not just chicken salad, but food history in general. Sometimes the messiest, most complicated stories lead to the most delicious results!
Have you ever made your own chicken salad? What’s your favorite variation? I’d love to hear about your favorite chicken salad recipes in the comments!
The Fun and Flavorful History of Chicken Salad
Hey there, sunshine! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s as versatile as your favorite summer sundress and as timeless as a beach sunset: chicken salad! Whether you’re packing a picnic, planning a poolside lunch, or just craving something deliciously cool, chicken salad is a go-to favorite. But have you ever wondered where this delightful dish came from? Let’s take a fun journey through the history of chicken salad, from ancient times to our modern kitchens!
Our story begins way back in ancient Rome. Imagine a bustling Roman marketplace, filled with the scent of fresh herbs and roasting meats. Romans loved their salads, mixing veggies, herbs, and yes, meats! They were all about combining textures and flavors, just like we do today.
Fast forward to medieval Europe, where salads evolved to include game birds and greens. Picture a medieval feast with platters of mixed greens and tender chicken, proving that the love for protein-packed salads has been around for centuries!
Now, let’s hop over to Europe in more recent centuries. The French, known for their culinary prowess, started pairing cold chicken with creamy, mayo-based dressings. Voilà! The concept of chicken salad as we know it was born. This creamy, dreamy addition made the dish even more irresistible.
Crossing the Atlantic, we land in 19th century America. It’s here that chicken salad truly took off. The earliest American recipes were all about using leftovers creatively. Cold, cooked chicken mixed with a tangy mayonnaise dressing? Yes, please!
In 1847, Sarah Rutledge’s cookbook “The Carolina Housewife” featured one of the first American chicken salad recipes. Her version combined chicken with spices and a mayo-like dressing, setting the stage for the dish’s popularity.
But the real game-changer came in 1863. Liam Gray, a meat market owner in Wakefield, Rhode Island, whipped up a batch of chicken salad with leftover chicken, mayo, and tarragon. It was a hit! So much so that it transformed his business into a thriving delicatessen. Talk about a recipe for success!
As we waltz into the 20th century, chicken salad became a deli staple across America. It popped up in lunch counters, picnics, and home kitchens everywhere. And why not? It’s easy to make, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
People began experimenting with ingredients, adding fruits like grapes and apples, nuts like almonds and walnuts, and a variety of herbs and spices. Each variation brought new flavors and textures, keeping chicken salad fresh and exciting.
Today, chicken salad isn’t just an American favorite; it’s a global sensation. From the tangy curry chicken salads of India to the spicy Sriracha-infused versions in Asia, this dish reflects local flavors and ingredients while staying true to its core: tender chicken and a creamy dressing.
So, next time you’re whipping up a batch of chicken salad, remember that you’re part of a delicious tradition that spans centuries and continents. Whether you stick to a classic recipe or create your own unique twist, you’re sure to enjoy a dish that’s as delightful as a summer day.
Need a Vegan Twist on your Mayonnaise?
Several highly-rated vegan mayonnaise brands can be used in chicken salad:
- Hellmann’s Vegan Mayonnaise: Known for its creamy texture and taste similar to regular mayo.
- Just Mayo by Eat Just: Popular for its consistency and flavor, made from yellow pea protein.
- Follow Your Heart Vegenaise: Comes in several varieties (Original, Reduced Fat, etc.) and is beloved for its rich taste and smooth texture.
- Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise: Made with aquafaba (chickpea water), it’s creamy and flavorful.
The History Of Chicken Salad
FAQ
Who first made chicken salad?
One of the first American forms of chicken salad was served by Town Meats in Wakefield, Rhode Island, in 1863. The original owner, Liam Gray, mixed his leftover chicken with mayonnaise, tarragon, and grapes. This became such a popular item that the meat market was converted to a delicatessen.
Where is chicken salad originally from?
Historically, chicken salad is not as Southern as you might think. The chicken salad that’s beloved today originated in Wakefield, Rhode Island. In 1863, Liam Gray, founder of Town Meats, was the first to mix leftover chicken with grapes, mayonnaise and tarragon.
Where is chicken salad originated?
Chicken salad first originated when Liam Gray, proprietor of Town Meats in Wakefield, Rhode Island, mixed leftover chicken with mayonnaise, tarragon, and grapes in 1863. She began making it at night after her children were asleep and delivering it by basket, door to door, to potential customers.
Where is Chicken Salad Chick originally from?
History. The company started with Stacy Brown, who was unemployed, divorced, and raising three children. She started selling her homemade chicken salad door-to-door in Auburn, Alabama.
Who invented chicken salad?
One of the first American forms of chicken salad was served by Town Meats in Wakefield, Rhode Island, in 1863. The original owner, Liam Gray, mixed his leftover chicken with mayonnaise, tarragon, and grapes.
What is a 19th century chicken salad?
An early 19th century English recipe for chicken salad can be found in the Mrs Beeton book of household management. This is a dish of cold roast chicken placed on lettuce and drizzled with a salad dressing made from mixed mustard, sugar, salad oil, milk, vinegar, cayenne and salt.
Who is the original Chicken Salad Chick?
Stacy Brown is the original Chicken Salad Chick. She founded Chicken Salad Chick in her very own kitchen.
Who invented chef’s salad?
The person most often connected with the history of this salad is Louis Diat, chef of the Ritz Carleton in New York City during the 1940s. While the food historians acknowledge his recipe they do not appear to be convinced he originated the dish. Here are some of the popular theories: “The evolution of Chef’s Salad What chef dreamed up this salad?
Did Americans eat chicken salad?
Chicken salad Culinary evidence (old cookbooks, menus etc.) confirms minced cooked meat and mayonnaise-type salads were popular in America from colonial times present. These were culinary traditions brought to our shores by European (especially German) settlers.
What is chicken salad?
Chicken salad is any salad with chicken as a main ingredient. Other common ingredients include mayonnaise, hard-boiled egg, celery, onion, pepper, pickles (or pickle relish) and a variety of mustards.