This Easy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is zesty and refreshing! With shredded chicken, crunchy pickles, and creamy mayo, it’s a perfect dish for lunch or picnics.
It’s like a party in your mouth, and yes, I might eat it straight from the bowl! I love serving it on a sandwich or with crackers for a quick bite. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor! If you’re short on time, canned chicken works too—just drain and rinse before using.
Dill Pickles: The heart of this salad! If you prefer less tang, sweet pickles are an option, though the flavor will change. I like using whole pickles as they provide more crunch when chopped.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill gives a bright taste! If you can’t find it, dry dill can work. Use about one teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh, but it’s best to add it gradually to avoid overwhelming flavors.
Mayonnaise: I love classic mayo, but Greek yogurt can be a healthier swap for a lighter version. You can also use a mix of both to balance flavors and texture!
How Do I Make Sure the Salad is Well-Mixed?
To ensure your dressing coats every ingredient well, follow these steps:
- Start with a large mixing bowl so you have enough space for tossing.
- Combine the dry ingredients (chicken, pickles, celery, onion, dill) first for an even mix.
- Add the dressing slowly while gently folding it into the mix. This prevents squishing the ingredients and keeps the chicken intact.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning afterward for the best flavor experience.
Letting it chill for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors nicely, making it even tastier!
Easy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup dill pickles, chopped (plus pickle spears for garnish)
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice (from the dill pickle jar)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, refreshing chicken salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, and fresh dill. Stir everything together to make sure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice until it’s all well blended. This will create a creamy dressing that adds flavor to your salad.
3. Mix the Dressing with the Chicken:
Pour the dressing over the chicken and pickle mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated in the dressing. Be careful not to break up any of the chicken too much!
4. Season and Chill:
Add salt and black pepper to taste, mixing lightly again. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give it another gentle stir. Serve the salad chilled, garnished with extra dill sprigs and dill pickle spears on the side. This chicken salad is perfect on sandwich bread, flaky croissants, or with crunchy crackers for a delightful meal!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred the chicken and toss it in—you won’t need to cook anything extra!
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version. Use vegan mayo to keep it dairy-free, and you’ll have a delicious vegan dill pickle salad!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before eating again, as the ingredients may settle.
What Are Some Good Serving Ideas?
This chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it on sandwich bread, croissants, or over a bed of greens. It’s also delicious with crackers or as a filling for lettuce wraps!
