The state of South Dakota does not actually have a state sandwich.
However the pheasant salad sandwich could be considered the state sandwich of South Dakota as the pheasant salad sandwich is a historically significant and iconic local specialty to South Dakota.
The Pheasant Salad sandwich originated in Aberdeen and was served to soldiers during World War II and also remains a popular regional dish, that is similar to chicken salad but instead is made with local pheasant.
The Pheasant Salad sandwich gained popularity during World War II in Aberdeen, where volunteers at the Pheasant Canteen made it from donated pheasant meat for traveling soldiers.
A traditional pheasant salad sandwich is made with finely chopped, cooked pheasant, hard boiled eggs, shredded carrots, onion, celery, sweet pickle relish and mayonnaise.
And modern versions of the pheasant salad sandwich such as the ones found at the pheasant restaurant in Brookings, incorporate ingredients such as dried cranberries, apple and roasted pecans and are also often served on grilled rye bread with some melted Swiss cheese.
The pheasant salad sandwich also highlights South Dakota's connection to pheasant hunting and it's history.