If you’re looking for a fresh, tangy twist on the classic chicken salad, you’ve come to the right place! This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of savory chicken, crunchy pickles, and a creamy dressing with just the right amount of zing. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and full of flavor—ideal for a quick lunch, light dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing party dish. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner!
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Why You’ll Love Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
This isn’t just another chicken salad recipe—it’s a whole vibe. Here’s why this one’s going to steal your heart (and your taste buds):
- Fresh & Tangy: The dill pickles bring a punch of flavor that makes this salad stand out. It’s the perfect balance of tanginess, creaminess, and crunch.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it the perfect go-to when you’re craving something light and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful: The combination of dill pickles, chicken, and fresh herbs packs a punch of flavor, while the creamy dressing ties everything together. It’s a deliciously unexpected twist!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re packing lunch for work, serving up a picnic, or just looking for a tasty dinner, this chicken salad hits the spot every time.
- Customizable: If you want to add a little extra zing, toss in some sliced red onions, or spice things up with a sprinkle of paprika. This salad is easily customizable to suit your taste!
Ingredients
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad uses just a few simple ingredients, yet the flavors come together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped. It’s the base of the salad, and you can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Dill Pickles: The star of the show! Their tangy crunch adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Celery: For that satisfying crunch and fresh taste.
- Red Onion: Optional, but it adds a nice bite to the salad if you’re into a little extra zing.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds everything together. Use your favorite mayo or a light version if you prefer.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of tang and depth to the dressing.
- Fresh Dill: For that herby, fresh flavor that complements the pickles perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the salad to your taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps for this easy and flavorful chicken salad:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by shredding or chopping the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, that works great for this!
- Chop the Veggies: Dice the dill pickles, celery, and red onion (if using) into small, bite-sized pieces. The pickles will give you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a handful of chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Toss It All Together: Add the chicken, pickles, celery, and red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything together until it’s evenly coated. Don’t overmix; just give it a good toss!
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve it cold for the best flavor!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve this delicious Dill Pickle Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with some crackers for a quick snack.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is so versatile! Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:
- On a Sandwich: Layer it between slices of whole-grain bread or a croissant for a delicious sandwich.
- In a Wrap: Spread the salad on a tortilla, roll it up, and enjoy a portable meal.
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve it over a simple salad for a light and refreshing meal.
- With Crackers: For a quick snack or appetizer, serve the chicken salad with your favorite crackers for a crunchy bite.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead: This chicken salad gets even better as it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pickle Variation: If you love a little extra kick, try adding spicy pickles or bread-and-butter pickles for a different flavor profile.
- Healthier Option: If you’re looking to cut back on calories, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Want more flavor? Add fresh parsley or chives to the salad for a burst of color and extra freshness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A1: Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and makes the recipe even quicker!
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! It’s actually better if you let it chill for a while to let all the flavors blend.
Q3: How long will leftovers last?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
A4: This recipe is best served fresh, as freezing may alter the texture of the mayo. It’s great for meal prep, though!
Q5: Can I add more veggies to the salad?
A5: Of course! Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
Q6: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
A6: Yes, Greek yogurt is a great swap if you’re looking for a healthier, tangier version of the dressing.
Q7: Is this recipe spicy?
A7: No, this chicken salad isn’t spicy, but you can always add some hot sauce or spicy pickles if you prefer some heat.
Q8: Can I make this without onions?
A8: Definitely! If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them entirely or substitute with a bit of onion powder for flavor.
Q9: Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?
A9: You can, but it’ll give the salad a much sweeter flavor. If you love sweet pickles, go for it!
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd, just double the ingredients and you’ll have enough for everyone.
Conclusion
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress. With its creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy dill pickles, it’s the perfect recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, picnic food, or as a side at dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This tangy and creamy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a fresh twist on a classic! With just four simple ingredients, it’s a quick and easy dish your whole family will love. Perfect for lunch, brunch, or as a salad topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 (14 oz) container Grillo’s Pickle de Gallo
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, honey mustard, ⅔ of the Pickle de Gallo, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Top with the remaining Pickle de Gallo before serving.
- Serve in lettuce wraps, with potato chips, or in your choice of bread.
Notes
- Pickle Lovers: If you love pickles, feel free to add extra Pickle de Gallo or even chopped pickles to the salad.
- Substitute for Greek Yogurt: Use mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture or need a dairy-free option.
- Add Veggies: Include some finely chopped celery, onion, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg