If you are searching for a delightfully tangy and creamy salad that bursts with flavor in every bite, the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad masterfully combines tender shredded chicken with the perfect tang from dill pickles, mellowed by a luscious Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing, creating a refreshing yet hearty dish. Whether you want a quick lunch, a picnic staple, or a vibrant sandwich filling, this salad brings a bold pop of taste and comforting textures that never fail to please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe plays an essential role in crafting its irresistible personality. From the tender chicken to the zesty pickles and the creamy dressing components, each element balances texture, flavor, and color beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups cooked (shredded) chicken: Provides the savory, tender base packed with protein.
- â…” cup chopped dill pickles: Delivers the tangy crunch that makes this salad truly stand out.
- ¼ cup diced red onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and vibrant color.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, slightly tangy backbone that lightens the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Boosts richness and smooth texture for a luscious dressing.
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish: Balances the savory and tangy with subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkles in fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried chives: Introduces a subtle oniony fragrance enhancing overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon dried dill: Intensifies the classic dill flavor pairing perfectly with the pickles.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Croissants, toast, or crackers (optional for serving): Ideal for serving and complement the salad’s creamy texture.
How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Chicken & Veggies
Start by gathering your shredded chicken, diced red onion, and chopped dill pickles, then combine them in a large mixing bowl. This brings together the protein and the fresh, crunchy veggies that give the salad its wonderful texture contrast right from the start.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, then add the sweet relish, Dijon mustard, freshly chopped parsley, dried chives, dried dill, along with salt and pepper. This smooth and creamy dressing is where all the flavors marry together, providing tanginess, sweetness, and herbaceous notes that perfectly complement the chicken and pickles.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the freshly made dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture and toss everything gently until every bite is coated evenly. This ensures that each forkful will deliver a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory tastes.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting step is key; it allows all the flavors to meld together and intensify, making the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe even more delicious when served chilled.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, the salad is ready to be enjoyed. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it equally great on its own or layered in a sandwich, wrap, or with crackers and croissants for added crunch and indulgence.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle a few additional chopped fresh parsley leaves or a light dusting of dried dill over the top. Thinly sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes add a crisp, juicy contrast that enhances the salad’s brightness and appeal.
Side Dishes
The Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides like crisp green salads, crunchy vegetable sticks, or even a bowl of homemade tomato soup. These accompaniments help balance the creaminess of the salad and turn your meal into a well-rounded, satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
This chicken salad shines not just in sandwiches but also served in lettuce cups for a low-carb twist or stuffed inside a hollowed-out tomato or avocado for an elegant presentation. You can even use it as a topping on baked potatoes or alongside your favorite crackers for a delightful appetizer plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh veggies tend to separate and lose their appealing texture after thawing. For the best taste and texture, enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warmer option, serve it alongside warm bread or croissants rather than reheating the salad itself, which could alter its fresh and creamy qualities.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe and saves time, giving you that tender, flavorful shredded chicken base with minimal effort.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt can be great alternatives that maintain the creamy texture and tangy flavor in the dressing.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt to keep the creaminess and flavor intact.
How spicy is this salad?
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is mild and tangy rather than spicy, making it approachable and enjoyable for all palates, including kids.
What types of bread work best for serving?
Flaky croissants, toasted sourdough slices, or even hearty whole wheat bread make wonderful vehicles for this salad, adding texture and complementing its creamy, tangy flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again — it’s just that good. The vibrant burst of flavors with every bite is both comforting and exciting, making it a true crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this special recipe as much as I enjoyed telling you about it!
Print
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Dill Pickle Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with tangy dill pickles and a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing, accented with fresh herbs and a hint of sweetness from relish. Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch, served on croissants, toast, crackers, or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
- â…” cup chopped dill pickles
- ¼ cup diced red onion
Dressing
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Serving (optional)
- Croissants, toast, or crackers
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken & Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, and diced red onion, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed and ready for the dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, dried chives, dried dill, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Combine: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve: Serve the chilled dill pickle chicken salad cold, spooned onto croissants, toast, crackers, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Use fresh dill instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
- The salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated to deepen flavors.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if pickles are very salty.
- Try adding celery or apples for extra crunch and sweetness.
