If you adore a salad that bursts with tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors all at once, you are in for a real treat with this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken salad, where crisp dill pickles add a bright pop and a satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing tender shredded chicken. This recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or a light yet flavorful meal any day of the week. Once you try it, the combination of creamy dressing and savory bites will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe lies in a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element is essential, lending its own unique texture and flavor—from the creamy tang of mayonnaise to the zesty kick of pickle juice.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides tender, protein-packed base with neutral flavor ready to absorb the dressing.
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped: Adds crunchy texture and that iconic sharp dill pickle tang that makes this salad unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a mild bite and a burst of color to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy dressing that binds all the ingredients together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and creaminess while lightening up the overall dressing.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings mild heat and a savory depth that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice: Intensifies the dill pickle flavor and keeps the salad delightfully moist.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the vibrant flavors in the salad.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional): If you have it on hand, it’s a wonderful fresh herb addition that brightens the dish even more.
How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables
Start with a large bowl and toss together the shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, and finely chopped red onion. This combination sets the stage, bringing a blend of tender, crunchy, and zesty textures that excite your taste buds right from the get-go.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisking these together creates a luscious, tangy dressing that complements the chicken and pickles perfectly—this is where the salad’s signature flavor profile takes shape.
Step 3: Combine Dressing with Chicken Mixture
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken, pickles, and onions. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated in that irresistible sauce. This step is key to ensuring every forkful bursts with balanced flavor and creaminess.
Step 4: Add Fresh Dill for Extra Flair
If you’re using fresh dill, now is the time to fold it in. This optional addition elevates the salad with a fresh, herbal note that truly complements the briny pickles and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
You can serve the salad right away for a fresh, crisp taste or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld even more deeply. Either way, you’re in for a delicious meal or snack.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few whole pickle slices on top add a gorgeous look and enhance that pickle flavor punch. For a bit of crunch, you might also add toasted nuts or crispy fried onions.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside simple, fresh sides like leafy greens, crunchy celery sticks, or even a light soup. For a heartier meal, pair it with crusty bread or crackers to scoop up every creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Use this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe as a sandwich filling, stuff it into pita pockets, or serve it atop avocado halves for a beautiful and nutritious twist. It also works wonderfully served on crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled not only preserves freshness but allows the flavors to deepen even further.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and yogurt base, this salad doesn’t freeze well—the texture can become watery and the creaminess might separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
This salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. Just give it a gentle stir and let it sit out for a few minutes if it’s been chilled too long in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves you time—you can simply shred it and dive right in with the rest of the ingredients for an easy meal.
Is Greek yogurt necessary in this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe?
Greek yogurt adds a nice tang and lightness, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with extra mayonnaise or sour cream according to your taste.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
While this recipe highlights chicken, you could swap the chicken for chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative to keep the delightful dill pickle flavor while going meat-free.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
No worries! The salad tastes fantastic without it. You could also use dried dill, but add it sparingly since it can be more potent.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is a vibrant, creamy delight that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting a casual brunch, or just craving something different, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Give it a try and fall in love with that perfect mix of tangy, savory, and fresh you won’t find anywhere else!
Print
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Dill Pickle Chicken Salad that combines shredded chicken, tangy dill pickles, and a creamy Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a tasty sandwich filling, this recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare and serves four people.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Combine chicken and vegetables: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, and finely chopped red onion until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Mix salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add fresh dill: If desired, fold in the chopped fresh dill to infuse extra flavor into the salad.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be served on lettuce wraps, bread slices, or crackers for a versatile meal or snack.
- Refrigerating the salad enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together.
- Use fresh dill if available for best taste; dried dill can be substituted but will be less vibrant.
- Adjust pickle juice and mustard quantity based on preferred tanginess.
