Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is packed with flavor and texture. The tanginess of the dill pickles perfectly complements the creamy dressing, while the chicken provides a hearty base of protein. It’s a versatile dish that’s quick to prepare, and you can easily adapt it with extra add-ins like cucumbers or celery. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a quick lunch or snack, this salad is refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can store it in the fridge for several days!
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie or homemade like dill pickle grilled chicken)
- Mayonnaise (full-fat or light; avoid Miracle Whip)
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Green onion, diced
- Dill pickles, chopped (or use spicy or sweet varieties for a twist)
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced cucumbers
- Red onion
- Celery
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Cube or shred your cooked chicken to your desired texture. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or make your own dill pickle grilled chicken for added flavor. - Make the Dressing:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. - Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and green onion until well combined. - Add the Chicken:
Gently fold in the chicken, mixing until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. - Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary (you likely won’t need salt due to the brininess of the pickles). If you want more crunch, add diced cucumbers, celery, or red onion. - Chill:
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. - Serve:
Serve the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers or veggies for a refreshing and satisfying snack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings (1 cup each)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes (for best flavor)
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add some chopped jalapeños or spicy pickles to the salad for an extra kick.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a plant-based mayo for a vegan-friendly version.
- Additional Veggies: Mix in diced celery, red bell pepper, or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing, but it’s great for meal prepping and can be stored fresh in the fridge.
- Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this salad—just enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pickles?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of pickles, such as spicy, bread-and-butter, or sweet pickles, depending on your taste preference.
2. Can I make this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits and chills!
3. Can I make this recipe without mayo?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free option if you prefer a lighter or different flavor base.
4. How do I make this salad spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing or use spicy pickles to give the salad a zesty kick.
5. Can I add nuts to this salad for extra crunch?
Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
6. How do I serve this chicken salad?
You can serve it on bread for a sandwich, in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option, or alongside crackers or fresh veggies for a light snack.
7. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and saves you time. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
8. How do I make the chicken salad more tangy?
For a more tangy flavor, add extra lemon juice, more pickles, or even a tablespoon of pickle juice to the dressing.
9. Can I use grilled chicken in this recipe?
Yes, grilled chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers.
10. Is this recipe low-carb?
This recipe is fairly low-carb, especially if you serve it in lettuce wraps instead of sandwiches. However, if you’re watching carbs strictly, be mindful of the mayonnaise and pickles used.
Conclusion
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, making it a great addition to your meal rotation. Whether you serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers, this recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With its versatility and ease, it’s a great choice for meal prep, picnics, or a quick lunch at home. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and tanginess in every bite!
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 cup each)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a tangy, protein-packed twist on classic chicken salad. Made with shredded or cubed chicken, crunchy dill pickles, fresh dill, and green onions, this creamy salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a snack.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie or homemade dill pickle grilled chicken)
Mayonnaise (full-fat or light; avoid Miracle Whip)
Dijon mustard
Fresh dill, chopped
Green onion, diced
Dill pickles, chopped (or use spicy or sweet varieties for a twist)
Optional Add-ins:
Diced cucumbers
Red onion
Celery
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cube or shred your cooked chicken to your desired texture. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or make your own dill pickle grilled chicken for added flavor.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and green onion until well combined.
- Add the Chicken:
- Gently fold in the chicken, mixing until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary (you likely won’t need salt due to the brininess of the pickles). If you want more crunch, add diced cucumbers, celery, or red onion.
- Chill:
- Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Serve the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers or veggies for a refreshing and satisfying snack.
Notes
Add fruit compote or a dollop of jam for extra sweetness and flavor.
For a vegan version, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken and plant-based mayo.
For a spicy version, add jalapeños or spicy pickles to the mix for extra kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
