If you’re a fan of tangy, crunchy, and creamy flavors all in one bite, this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or eating straight from the bowl, this recipe takes a classic chicken salad and gives it a bold, briny upgrade.

I first made this recipe when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a jar of dill pickles sitting in my fridge. The combination sounded interesting, but I wasn’t expecting it to be this addictive! With the freshness of dill, the crunch of pickles, and the creaminess of the dressing, it was an instant hit.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, making a quick lunch, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, this salad is a game changer. Keep reading to see why this recipe stands out from the rest!

Why I Love This Recipe

There are plenty of chicken salad recipes out there, but this one has a flavor punch that keeps you coming back for more. The combination of shredded or diced chicken with tangy dill pickles creates the perfect balance between salty, savory, and fresh.

What makes this recipe special?

A Pickle Lover’s Dream – If you love pickles, this salad is bursting with their briny goodness. The chopped pickles add crunch, while a bit of pickle juice enhances the overall flavor.
Creamy But Not Heavy – Instead of being overly rich, this salad strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and brightness, thanks to a blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Versatile & Meal-Prep Friendly – Serve it in a sandwich, wrap, lettuce cup, or as a dip with crackers. It stores well and is perfect for making ahead.
High in Protein & Low-Carb Friendly – With lean chicken as the base, this salad is satisfying without being overly heavy on carbs.

If you want a refreshing, tangy twist on traditional chicken salad, this is the one to make!

Ingredients for Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, but the combination creates an irresistible salad.

For the Chicken Salad:

2 ½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie works great)
¾ cup dill pickles (finely chopped)
¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pickle juice (from the jar)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Optional Add-Ins:

½ cup celery (for extra crunch)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of spice)
1 teaspoon honey (if you like a touch of sweetness)

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, crunchy, and flavor-packed chicken salad that is anything but ordinary!

How Much Time Will You Need?

One of the best things about this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is how quickly it comes together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

If you have pre-cooked chicken ready to go, this salad is done in minutes—making it perfect for a fast lunch or meal prep.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Follow these simple steps to create the best dill pickle chicken salad.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the dill pickles, red onion, and fresh dill. If you’re using celery, dice that as well. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This dressing will be tangy, creamy, and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken, chopped pickles, red onion, and dill into the bowl with the dressing. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give the salad a quick taste. If you want it tangier, add a little more pickle juice. Need more crunch? Stir in some extra celery. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled in sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of lettuce.

Substitutions

Want to tweak this recipe? Here are some great substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Chicken Alternatives: Swap chicken for turkey or canned tuna for a different take.
Mayonnaise-Free Option: Use all Greek yogurt or avocado for a lighter version.
Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free mayo or coconut yogurt.
Low-Sodium: Choose low-sodium pickles and reduce added salt.
Extra Crunch: Swap red onion for green onions, or add toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.

These easy swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this dish in their own way!

Best Side Dishes for Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

To round out your meal, pair this salad with one of these delicious sides:

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness balances the tangy flavors perfectly.
Cucumber Tomato Salad – A fresh, light salad that complements the creamy chicken salad.
Buttery Croissants – Serve the chicken salad inside a croissant for a rich and satisfying sandwich.

These sides make for a well-balanced meal, whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, especially when serving Dill Pickle Chicken Salad for guests or meal prep. Here are some simple yet effective ways to serve it beautifully:

Lettuce Cups – Scoop the salad into crisp butter lettuce leaves or romaine for a light, refreshing, and low-carb option.
Classic Sandwiches – Serve it between two slices of crusty sourdough, soft brioche, or whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich.
Croissant Filling – For a more indulgent version, stuff it inside a buttery croissant for an elegant brunch or picnic meal.
Cracker Platter – Spoon the salad into a serving bowl and surround it with crackers, pretzels, or pita chips for a casual snack.
Avocado Halves – Hollow out an avocado slightly and fill it with the chicken salad for a nutrient-packed, creamy bite.

For a restaurant-quality look, sprinkle extra fresh dill on top and add a few pickle slices for garnish. Serve chilled for the best flavor!

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Want to take this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad to the next level? Here are some pro tips:

1. Use Freshly Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken

While canned chicken works in a pinch, freshly cooked chicken (whether roasted, poached, or rotisserie) makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.

2. Let It Rest Before Serving

Although you can eat it immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together for a more delicious result.

3. Add a Bit of Crunch

For extra texture, mix in toasted almonds, chopped pecans, or sunflower seeds.

4. Adjust the Creaminess

If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If it’s too thick, a splash of pickle juice will loosen it up while adding flavor.

5. Experiment with Heat

If you like a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the tangy pickles!

These small tweaks enhance the flavor and texture, making this chicken salad even more irresistible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad turns out perfect every time:

1. Using Dry Chicken

If your chicken is overcooked or dry, the salad won’t have the right texture. Use rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts for a moist result.

2. Overloading with Pickle Juice

While pickle juice adds flavor, too much can make the salad watery. Add it gradually and taste as you go.

3. Skipping the Chill Time

The flavors develop significantly if you let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

4. Not Chopping Ingredients Finely

Large chunks of pickles, onion, or celery can make the salad uneven. Finely dice everything for a balanced bite in every spoonful.

5. Overseasoning with Salt

Since pickles and pickle juice already contain salt, be careful when adding extra salt. Taste before seasoning!

Avoiding these mistakes guarantees a creamy, flavorful, and well-balanced chicken salad.

How to Store It

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly.

Freezing (Not Recommended):

The creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well—it can become watery and separate when thawed.
If you must freeze, store the cooked chicken separately and mix in the dressing fresh.

For meal prep, make a batch at the start of the week and enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups for quick and easy meals.

FAQ

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken gives the best texture and flavor. If using canned, drain it well and shred it finely.

2. How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the Greek yogurt for dairy-free mayo or coconut yogurt to keep it creamy without dairy.

3. Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?

Yes, but it will change the flavor. Sweet pickles add a touch of sweetness, which some people love. If you like tangy and briny flavors, stick with dill pickles.

4. What’s the best way to serve this for a party?

Serve it in mini croissants, lettuce cups, or on a charcuterie board with crackers for easy snacking.

5. Can I make this keto-friendly?

Yes! This salad is naturally low-carb and perfect for keto. Just serve it in lettuce wraps or on its own instead of using bread.

These FAQs cover common questions to help you perfect this dish every time.