Dill Pickle Chicken Salad: Creamy, Tangy, and Totally Addictive

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If you love dill pickles, get ready to meet your new obsession: dill pickle chicken salad. This bold, creamy, tangy chicken salad is packed with juicy chicken, crunchy pickles, fresh dill, and a perfectly balanced dressing that delivers serious pickle flavor in every bite.

Unlike traditional chicken salad, which leans sweet or mild, dill pickle chicken salad is bright, savory, and refreshing. The briny punch from chopped dill pickles and pickle juice wakes up the entire dish, making it ideal for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or straight from the bowl.

Whether you’re meal prepping lunches, hosting a picnic, or looking for a quick high-protein recipe, this dill pickle chicken salad checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

  • Big Dill Pickle Flavor: Perfect for pickle lovers
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes
  • No Cooking Required: Use rotisserie chicken
  • Versatile: Sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes better over time

What Makes Dill Pickle Chicken Salad So Good?

The magic lies in balance. Creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt mellow the sharpness of the pickles, while Dijon mustard adds depth. Fresh dill reinforces the pickle flavor without overpowering the chicken. A splash of pickle juice ties everything together with tangy brightness.

The result is a chicken salad that’s rich yet refreshing, indulgent yet light enough for everyday meals.

Ingredients for Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • ¾ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp pickle juice
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup celery, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    Place cooked chicken in a large bowl and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Add the Pickles
    Stir in chopped dill pickles and celery.
  3. Mix the Dressing
    In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
  4. Combine
    Pour dressing over chicken mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
  5. Finish with Dill
    Stir in fresh dill. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Chill & Serve
    Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor, then serve.

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

A creamy, tangy chicken salad packed with dill pickles, fresh herbs, and bold flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Chicken Salad
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 0.75 cup dill pickles finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp pickle juice
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup celery finely diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • salt to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Add chicken to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir in chopped pickles and celery.
  3. Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, pickle juice, and seasonings.
  4. Fold dressing into chicken mixture until combined.
  5. Stir in fresh dill, chill, and serve.

Notes

Chilling enhances the pickle flavor.

Best Chicken to Use

  • Rotisserie Chicken: Fast and flavorful
  • Poached Chicken Breast: Lean and tender
  • Leftover Roasted Chicken: Great for reducing waste

Avoid canned chicken—it lacks texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

  • Finely Chop Pickles: Ensures flavor in every bite
  • Use Fresh Dill: Dried dill won’t deliver the same brightness
  • Chill Before Serving: Flavor improves with time
  • Add Pickle Juice Gradually: Adjust to taste

Delicious Variations

  • Spicy Pickle Chicken Salad: Add chopped jalapeños or hot pickles
  • Low-Carb/Keto: Skip yogurt, use full mayo
  • Extra Crunch: Add chopped red onion
  • Protein Boost: Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

  • On toasted bread or croissants
  • In lettuce wraps for low-carb meals
  • Stuffed into pita pockets
  • Scooped with crackers or celery
  • As a wrap with spinach tortillas

This recipe works for lunchboxes, picnics, and light dinners.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container
  • Make Ahead: Ideal for meal prep
  • Do Not Freeze: Mayo-based dressing doesn’t freeze well

Why This Recipe Works

This dill pickle chicken salad works because it embraces bold flavors while maintaining balance. Creaminess offsets acidity, herbs enhance freshness, and texture keeps it satisfying. It’s a modern twist on a classic that pickle lovers can’t resist.

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