Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a lunch or potluck dish that’s equal parts tangy and satisfying, this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad will steal the show! Brimming with juicy chicken, crunchy pickles, a creamy yogurt-mayo blend, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this isn’t your average salad — it’s bright, bold, and impossible to stop eating. Whether you pile it on toast, scoop it up with crackers, or serve it in crisp lettuce cups, every bite is a craveable balance of zippy, crunchy, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad really comes from just a handful of everyday staples. Each one brings something special — freshness, crunch, creaminess, or that unmistakable dill pickle punch, so don’t skip a thing!

• Cooked, shredded chicken: The heart of the salad — use rotisserie, grilled, or leftovers for the juiciest texture.
• Chopped dill pickles: For that signature tang and irresistible crunch in every bite.
• Diced red onion: Brings color and a pop of sharpness to balance the rich dressing.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps things creamy and a little lighter than all-mayo versions.
• Mayonnaise: Adds classic richness and brings all the flavors together.
• Sweet relish: A touch of sweetness to contrast the briny pickles and round out the flavor.
• Chopped fresh parsley: For brightness and a fresh, herby lift.
• Dijon mustard: Infuses gentle heat and another layer of tanginess.
• Dried chives: Subtle oniony flavor that blends right into the dressing.
• Dried dill: Boosts that pickle-y flavor and ties all the ingredients together.
• Croissants, toast, or crackers: Your vessel of choice—each brings a different vibe to the table!

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Start by placing your cooked, shredded chicken, diced red onion, and those glorious chopped dill pickles in a large mixing bowl. This is where everything kicks off: the chicken soaks up all that tangy pickle flavor and the red onions provide a sweet sharpness that will shine later when tossed in the dressing.

Step 2: Stir Together The Creamy Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, use a fork or small whisk to blend together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, dried chives, dried dill, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed — you want it just zippy enough to make your taste buds dance!

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the creamy dressing all over your chicken, onions, and pickles. Now’s the fun part: gently toss it all together until every piece of chicken and pickle is slicked in flavorful dressing. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for that lively burst of green, and taste again — more salt or pepper might be just the thing.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives all the flavors a chance to mingle and get extra delicious. When you’re ready, serve it up on croissants, toast, crackers, or in lettuce cups.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Brighten up your dish with extra sprigs of parsley or a scatter of finely sliced green onions. For even more pickle power, scatter a few extra chopped pickles or a light dusting of dried dill right before serving. It makes your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad pop with color and flavor!

Side Dishes

Keep things crisp and fresh with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or a handful of plain kettle chips on the side. A little fruit salad also makes a lovely companion, balancing the savory tang with some juicy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad into halved avocados for a dramatic presentation, or pack it into lettuce cups for a crunchy, low-carb option. Mini croissant sandwiches are always a hit for brunches and showers, and don’t overlook stuffing it inside a halved pita for the ultimate pita pocket lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Dill Pickle Chicken Salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a meal prep superstar for busy weeks. The flavor gets even better as it sits!

Freezing

While you technically can freeze chicken salad, the dressing tends to separate after thawing and the texture suffers. For the freshest, creamiest results, enjoy your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad within a few days rather than freezing it.

Reheating

This is a cold salad, so there’s no need to reheat — just give it a stir and serve straight from the fridge! If it’s been chilling for a while, you might want to add an extra dollop of yogurt or mayo to freshen up the texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this dill pickle chicken salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is fantastic here — it’s flavorful, juicy, and a huge time saver. Just shred it and mix right in.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can swap in sour cream for a similar tang and creaminess, or use all mayonnaise if you prefer a richer base.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free yogurt in place of the Greek yogurt, and double-check your mayo to ensure it’s dairy-free too — easy switches for a dairy-free Dill Pickle Chicken Salad!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, and in fact it tastes even better if you make it a few hours ahead! The flavors meld as they chill, making it perfect for prepping in advance for parties or weekday lunches.

What kind of pickles are best?

Use your favorite classic dill pickles — spears, chips, or whole. Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully, just be sure they’re crisp and punchy for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, zippy, and packed with comfort, you’ve got to try this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad. It’s fun to make, irresistibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a go soon — you might just find your new favorite salad!

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