If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with tang, crunch, and a serious dose of comfort, Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is the dish you absolutely need to try. There’s something about the bright zing of dill pickles paired with tender chicken and fresh herbs that makes every bite taste like summer, no matter what time of year it is. Whether you pile it high on your favorite bread, scoop it over crisp lettuce, or just grab a fork and dig right in, this salad is outrageously satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love the punch of pickles and the creamy richness of a classic chicken salad, you’re in for a treat with this recipe!

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is how quickly everything comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients. Every component plays a role, combining to create a salad that’s crunchy, creamy, and loaded with flavor from top to bottom.

Cooked chicken breast: Use about 2 cups, shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken works especially well and makes preparation even easier.
Dill pickles: One cup, chopped for big bursts of briny, tangy flavor in every bite.
Celery: Half a cup, diced, for an extra touch of freshness and a lively crunch.
Red onion: Finely chop half a cup for subtle sharpness and beautiful color.
Mayonnaise: You’ll need half a cup to create a rich, creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Fresh dill: Two tablespoons, chopped finely. This ingredient really lifts the flavor and brings a fragrant herby note.
Pickle juice: A tablespoon straight from the pickle jar adds an irresistible tartness that sets this salad apart.
Dijon mustard: One teaspoon for just a hint of gentle heat and depth of flavor.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare and Combine the Mix-ins

Start by bringing together all the main ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, chopped pickles, diced celery, and red onion. Gently toss everything together—this way, you’ll have an even distribution of crunchy, flavorful bits in every single bite.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, fresh dill, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Take a quick taste; the dressing should be tangy, creamy, and herby all at once. You can adjust the seasonings now if you’d like a bit more kick or dill flavor.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour the creamy dill dressing over the bowl of chicken and veggies. Use a big spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly, ensuring every morsel gets beautifully coated. This is where the magic happens as the flavors start to meld!

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Once everything is mixed, cover your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest time lets the flavors marry together, making the pickles even more pronounced and the chicken irresistibly tender.

Step 5: Taste Test and Serve

Before serving, give the salad one last taste and adjust with a little extra salt, pepper, or pickle juice if needed. Then, grab your bread, wrap, or lettuce cups, and get ready for a flavor explosion with every bite.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or some thinly sliced green onions makes a gorgeous and tasty finishing touch. For even more pickle power, try topping with a few extra chopped pickles or a dusting of cracked black pepper.

Side Dishes

This crunchy, tangy chicken salad pairs perfectly with a simple side of potato chips, a light vegetable soup, or even a handful of heirloom cherry tomatoes. For a heartier lunch, try serving it alongside a classic macaroni salad or a fresh fruit bowl to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Ready for a little fun? Scoop Dill Pickle Chicken Salad into butter lettuce cups for a low-carb, finger-friendly appetizer. Stuff it into pita pockets, roll into wraps, or serve atop cucumber slices for a playful party snack. It’s also a delight simply spooned over mixed greens for a colorful salad bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dill Pickle Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor even improves as it sits, making it a great meal-prep option for busy weekdays or picnics.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the texture of the mayonnaise and fresh veggies can change after thawing. If you must, you can freeze the plain shredded chicken and add the other ingredients fresh when you’re ready to assemble.

Reheating

This is a dish best served cold, so skip the reheating! If you’d like it a little less chilly, just let it sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type Salad

Absolutely! If you prefer bread-and-butter or spicy pickles, feel free to experiment. Each variety gives the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad its own unique twist.

Is it necessary to use fresh dill?

Fresh dill lends wonderful flavor, but you can substitute with dried dill if that’s what you have. Use about one teaspoon dried, adjusting to taste.

Can I lighten up the dressing?

Definitely! Swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt as noted, or even try avocado mayonnaise for added creaminess with a bit less fat.

What chicken works best?

Any cooked, shredded or chopped chicken is fair game. Rotisserie chicken makes things quick and adds bonus flavor, but leftover grilled or poached chicken is delicious too.

How do I make it more protein-rich?

Add a couple of chopped hard-boiled eggs right into the salad for a protein boost, or serve it with a handful of roasted chickpeas for crunch and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is proof that a few humble ingredients can become something truly crave-worthy. If you’re a fan of bold, briny flavors and easy, make-ahead meals, you’re going to fall hard for this recipe. Gather your favorite pickles and give it a go—you might just find your new favorite lunch!

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a tangy and flavorful twist on traditional chicken salad. Packed with dill pickles, celery, and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Cooked Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Dill Pickle Mixture:

1 cup dill pickles, chopped
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped pickles, celery, and red onion.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh dill, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Serve chilled on bread, in wraps, or over lettuce.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American