Name: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup chopped dill pickles; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon pickle brine; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with tangy brightness, creamy texture, and a satisfying protein punch, then this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken with the irresistible crunch of dill pickles and celery, all tied together by a luscious blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, this salad is a total game-changer for lunch or a light dinner. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors that feel fresh, zingy, and deeply comforting. Trust me, once you try this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for quick, delicious meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with seven separate layers of ingredients arranged in a rough circle. At the bottom left is a layer of light beige shredded chicken, topped with finely chopped pale purple shallots. Above this is a large section of finely chopped light green celery. To the right is a layer of diced dark green pickles with a dollop of yellow mustard on top. In the center are small piles of creamy off-white mayonnaise, pale yellow powder, and a white creamy substance, possibly sour cream, with green fresh dill on top. A dark gray spatula rests on the right side of the bowl on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, tang, crunch, and freshness, making the salad delightful from the first taste to the last.

2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base that makes this salad both filling and nutritious.
1 cup chopped dill pickles: Adds bold, tangy crunch that defines the salad’s signature flavor.
1/2 cup diced celery: For fresh, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
1/4 cup diced red onion: Brings a subtle sharpness and a bit of color to make the salad visually appealing.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the dressing creamy yet light, adding a mild tang.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Enhances the richness and smoothness of the salad dressing.
1 tablespoon pickle brine: Intensifies the pickle flavor and adds a zesty kick.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill): Reinforces the dill flavor for that classic herbaceous note.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Provides just the right amount of tang and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your chicken is cooked and shredded—this can be leftover roasted chicken, poached breasts, or even a rotisserie chicken for convenience. Chop the dill pickles, celery, and red onion into bite-sized pieces to balance out the texture and flavor in every forkful.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, pickle brine, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, chopped dill, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This creamy dressing with a bright tang from the pickle brine is what brings all the ingredients together in a harmonious way.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, diced celery, and red onion into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or spoon until the chicken is thoroughly coated but not overly mashed. This step is key to preserving the salad’s texture.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Chill

Taste your salad and add more salt, pepper, or even a bit extra pickle brine if you want it tangier. Let your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you have time, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully before serving.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

The image shows a tall sandwich with three layers of seeded whole grain bread that have a rough texture and small holes. Between the bottom and middle bread, there is a thick layer of chicken salad mixed with small pieces of celery, herbs, and mayonnaise, resting on a bright green leaf. Between the middle and top bread, there is another thick layer of the same creamy chicken salad with visible chunks and bits of green pickles. A small green pickle is placed on top, held with a toothpick. Around the sandwich on the white marbled surface, there are a few slices of pickles and some crackers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra fresh dill or a few whole pickle slices on top immediately amps up the presentation and highlights the star flavors. You can even add a few chopped scallions or fresh parsley for a pop of green freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with light, crispy sides like kettle-cooked potato chips, crunchy veggie sticks, or even a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, try it alongside warm soup or roasted potatoes for contrast in temperature and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Besides the classic sandwich or wrap filling, try serving your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe scooped into butter lettuce cups for a low-carb option that’s perfectly handheld. Another fun idea is to serve it atop toasted rye bread for a twist reminiscent of an open-faced deli sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay at its best for up to four days. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended because the celery and pickles tend to become mushy and lose their crunch when thawed. To maintain the best texture and flavor, it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature since the creamy dressing doesn’t reheat well. If you want a warm meal, consider heating the chicken separately before mixing it with the cooled salad ingredients just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pickle for this recipe?

Absolutely! While dill pickles provide the classic tangy flavor, you can experiment with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist. Just be mindful to adjust the seasoning and pickle brine accordingly to maintain balance.

Is it okay to substitute mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter salad. Keep in mind it will be less rich but still delicious and tangy, so feel free to add a little extra Dijon mustard or seasoning to compensate.

What’s the best type of chicken to use for this salad?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great when cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut to save time and add flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred the meat finely.

Can I add other vegetables or fruits to the salad?

Certainly! Some people love adding diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast, or even chopped bell peppers for more crunch. Just add these extras sparingly to keep the signature dill pickle flavor front and center in your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe will stay fresh for up to four days. After that, the texture and flavors start to deteriorate, especially because of the pickles and celery.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and again. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully versatile whether you serve it for a casual lunch or a picnic treat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—your taste buds will thank you for it!

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need