Name: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 3/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped; 2/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons pickle juice; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

I make this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad when I want something creamy, tangy, and packed with crunch. The combination of tender chicken, crisp dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a smooth, flavorful dressing creates a refreshing dish that works beautifully for lunch, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients. It requires no cooking if I already have prepared chicken on hand, which makes it perfect for busy days. The dill pickles add a bold, briny crunch that balances the creamy mayonnaise dressing. I also appreciate how versatile it is—I can serve it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over fresh greens. It is naturally high in protein and can easily fit into low-carb or gluten-free eating styles depending on how I serve it.

Ingredients

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

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

3/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

2/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons pickle juice

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

I start by placing the shredded or diced chicken into a large mixing bowl. Then I add the finely chopped dill pickles, red onion, and celery, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

In a separate small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Next, I pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until all the ingredients are well coated. I taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

For the best flavor, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

When ready to serve, I enjoy it chilled on croissants, sandwich bread, in lettuce wraps, or spooned over a bed of fresh greens.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the mayonnaise for half Greek yogurt to lighten the texture while keeping it creamy. For extra crunch, I like adding chopped almonds or sunflower seeds. If I want a little heat, I mix in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. I also enjoy adding chopped hard-boiled eggs for an even heartier salad. When I prefer a sweeter contrast, I stir in a small spoonful of finely chopped sweet pickles along with the dill pickles.

Storage/Reheating

I store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Since it is a mayonnaise-based salad, I keep it chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods. I do not recommend freezing it because the texture of the mayonnaise can separate once thawed. This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary.

Related Recipes:

Tangy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

I often use rotisserie chicken when I want to save time. It adds extra flavor and works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I find that making it a few hours ahead actually improves the flavor. The extra chilling time allows everything to blend beautifully.

Is this recipe low carb?

When I serve it in lettuce wraps or on its own, I find it fits well into a low-carb eating plan.

What type of pickles work best?

I prefer classic dill pickles for their tangy flavor, but I sometimes experiment with garlic dill or spicy varieties for a twist.

How can I make it lighter?

I like replacing part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or using a light mayonnaise to reduce the overall calories while keeping it creamy.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad because it is simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and bright dill pickle flavor make it a reliable favorite in my kitchen. Whether I prepare it for meal prep, a picnic, or a quick lunch, it always delivers satisfying results with minimal effort.

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