Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

This salad is packed with flavor, crunch, and just the right amount of tang. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that you can throw together in no time, making it perfect for busy lunches, picnics, or just a quick dinner when you’re craving something light yet filling.

Why You’ll Love Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Flavor Explosion
The tangy dill pickles paired with the creamy dressing create an unforgettable balance of flavors. You get that satisfying crunch with every bite—who knew chicken salad could be so exciting?

Quick and Easy
In less than 20 minutes, you can have this delicious chicken salad ready to go. Perfect for meal prepping or those moments when you need a tasty, low-effort dish.

Versatile
Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, in a wrap, or on crackers. You can’t go wrong! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken.

Light Yet Filling
Packed with protein from the chicken and a healthy dose of crunch from the pickles, this salad is both light and satisfying, perfect for any meal.

Crowd-Pleasing
If you’re serving guests or need to feed a family, this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad always gets rave reviews. It’s a refreshing change from your regular chicken salad and works for everyone!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Cooked Chicken

Shredded or diced, this is the protein-packed base of the salad. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook up a couple of chicken breasts to save a few extra bucks.

Dill Pickles

The star ingredient! Their sharp tang and satisfying crunch add the perfect bite to this salad. Slice them finely to distribute the pickle goodness throughout the salad.

Celery

Adds a nice crunch and freshness, balancing the creamy texture of the chicken and mayo.

Red Onion

A touch of red onion for sweetness and mild sharpness. It complements the dill pickles perfectly.

Mayonnaise

Creamy, dreamy mayo brings everything together and gives the salad its rich texture.

Dijon Mustard

A hint of Dijon mustard adds depth and subtle heat. It’s not overwhelming—just the right amount to balance the tang of the pickles.

Fresh Dill

If you’re a dill lover (and who isn’t?), fresh dill is the secret ingredient that makes this chicken salad stand out. It adds an extra punch of flavor without being too overpowering.

Salt and Pepper

A little seasoning to bring all the flavors together and ensure the salad isn’t bland.

Instructions

Shred or Dice the Chicken

Start by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Make sure it’s cooled down before you mix it into the salad.

Prep the Veggies

Chop the dill pickles, celery, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Fresh dill should be chopped finely as well.

Mix the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pickles, celery, red onion, and fresh dill. Toss everything together gently.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture, then stir gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Chill and Serve

For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 590mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 37g
Calcium: 26mg
Iron: 1.3mg
Potassium: 475mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

On a Bed of Greens
Serve the chicken salad on a bed of leafy greens like spinach or arugula. Add a little extra dill and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing, light meal.

In a Sandwich or Wrap
This chicken salad makes for an amazing sandwich or wrap filling. Pair it with crisp lettuce and some fresh tomato slices.

With Crackers or Toast
Scoop the salad onto crunchy crackers or toasted bread for a satisfying snack or appetizer.

As a Side Dish
Serve alongside grilled meats or as a picnic side dish. It’s an easy way to add a little flair to any meal.

Additional Tips

Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. If you’ve got rotisserie chicken or some cooked chicken breasts, you’re all set!

Make It Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt. It will still be creamy but with fewer calories.

Pickle Lovers’ Paradise: For an extra pickle kick, add more chopped dill pickles or a bit of pickle juice to the dressing.

Add Crunch: Want a little more texture? Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or even some crumbled bacon for extra crunch.

Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your chicken salad.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this salad.

Q2: How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
A2: It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Just be sure to stir it well before serving.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to blend together even more. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
A4: It’s not the best for freezing, as the mayo can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Q5: Can I use different pickles?
A5: Of course! Sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles would work, but they’ll change the flavor profile a bit. Stick to dill for that classic tang.

Q6: How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
A6: To make it dairy-free, simply swap out the mayo for a vegan mayo or avocado for a creamy texture.

Q7: What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
A7: You can add diced carrots, cucumber, or even some roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Q8: Can I use a different type of mustard?
A8: Yes! Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard would work, but Dijon gives it a nice tangy punch that’s hard to beat.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q10: Can I make this salad spicy?
A10: You sure can! Add some chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed twist on the classic chicken salad that’s quick, easy, and totally delicious. With the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a snack, each bite will remind you why pickles and chicken are a match made in heaven. Enjoy!

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