Name: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 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)

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A tangy and creamy chicken salad with a flavorful kick from dill pickles, perfect for a quick lunch or as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. This simple, no-cook recipe combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy dill pickles and a creamy dressing for a refreshing meal that's ready in minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad hits all the right notes - it's creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken with crunchy pickles creates a delightful texture contrast, while the dressing brings everything together with just the right amount of creaminess. What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly it comes together - perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It's also versatile - enjoy it on its own, stuffed in a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce, or scooped onto crackers. For those watching their carbs, this protein-rich salad makes an excellent low-carb option that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast serves as the protein-packed foundation of this salad. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken from the store, or quickly poach some chicken breasts. The texture works best when the chicken is shredded rather than cubed, allowing it to better absorb the dressing.

Dill pickles provide that signature tangy crunch and are the star flavor in this recipe. They add both texture and a bright, briny flavor that makes this chicken salad stand out from more traditional versions.

Red onion brings a sharp, crisp element that adds complexity to the salad. The fine chop ensures it distributes well throughout the mixture without overwhelming any single bite.

Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the dressing. It provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

Greek yogurt adds protein and a slight tanginess while reducing the overall amount of mayonnaise needed. This makes the dressing creamy but lighter than using mayo alone.

Dijon mustard contributes a sophisticated flavor depth with its subtle heat and tanginess that complements the pickles perfectly.

Pickle juice might seem unusual, but it's a clever way to amplify the dill pickle flavor throughout the entire salad while adding moisture and seasoning.

Salt and pepper are essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. You may need less salt than you think since pickles and pickle juice already contain sodium.

Fresh dill, though optional, brings a bright, herbaceous note that echoes and intensifies the dill pickle flavor, creating a more cohesive flavor profile.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine until everything is evenly coated.
If using, stir in the fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving containing approximately 290 calories. The preparation takes only 10 minutes with zero cooking time, making the total time just 10 minutes. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or last-minute meal preparation. Each serving provides a satisfying amount of protein from the chicken, making it filling despite being relatively light.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add chopped olives, crumbled feta cheese, and diced cucumber for a Mediterranean twist.

Buffalo Style: Mix in some buffalo sauce with the mayonnaise and add diced celery for a spicy alternative.

Curry Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the dressing and mix in some golden raisins and sliced almonds.

Avocado Dill Pickle Chicken Salad: Replace half the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy variation with healthy fats.

Ranch Dill Pickle Chicken Salad: Add ranch seasoning to the dressing for a flavor boost.

Apple Crunch: Add diced apple for sweetness and extra crunch that balances the tanginess of the pickles.

Egg Addition: Mix in a couple of chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.

Storage/Reheating

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they have time to meld together. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, you can mix in a small amount of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to refresh it.

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended as it can affect the texture and cause the mayonnaise to separate. Instead, remove it from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

For meal prep, you can prepare the chicken salad and portion it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. If using as a sandwich filling, it's best to assemble the sandwich just before eating to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, canned chicken can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just be sure to drain it well and flake it with a fork before mixing with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different from fresh cooked chicken.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, you can use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, opt for light mayonnaise, or use a mayo alternative made with avocado oil. Adding more vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or grated carrots can also increase the nutritional value.

What are the best breads for making a dill pickle chicken salad sandwich?

Hearty breads work best with this salad. Try sourdough, whole grain, rye, or a crusty baguette. These sturdy options hold up well to the moisture in the chicken salad without getting soggy too quickly.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. Mayo-based dressings tend to separate when frozen and thawed, resulting in an unappetizing texture. It's best to make only what you can consume within a few days.

What can I serve with dill pickle chicken salad besides bread?

This versatile chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crackers, stuffed in avocado halves, on a bed of mixed greens, wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or served with vegetable sticks for dipping.

How do I prevent my chicken salad from becoming watery?

Ensure your pickles are well-drained before chopping, and pat the chicken dry if it seems moist. If using fresh vegetables like onions, you can also salt them lightly and let them sit for a few minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat, making it suitable for those following a ketogenic diet. Just be sure to check your pickle and mayonnaise brands for hidden sugars.

Can I use other herbs besides dill?

Absolutely! While dill complements the pickles beautifully, you can experiment with fresh parsley, chives, tarragon, or basil for different flavor profiles. Each herb will give the chicken salad a unique character.

How do I cook chicken breasts specifically for chicken salad?

For tender chicken that's perfect for shredding, place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, add a teaspoon of salt, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool before shredding.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

This chicken salad is ideal for make-ahead preparations. In fact, the flavors improve after a few hours in the refrigerator. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving.

Conclusion

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is more than just a simple recipe—it's a versatile dish that proves delicious meals don't need to be complicated or time-consuming. The bright, tangy flavors of dill pickles paired with creamy dressing and tender chicken create a satisfying combination that works for any occasion, from quick lunches to elegant tea sandwiches.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Whether you're following it exactly or using it as a foundation for your own creative variations, the basic formula delivers reliable results. The balance of protein, creaminess, and crunch makes it both satisfying and nutritionally sound.

Next time you have leftover chicken or need a quick meal solution, remember this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad. It's a reminder that sometimes the most straightforward recipes become kitchen staples because they simply work, time and time again.