This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is the ultimate meal for anyone who loves a tangy, briny crunch in every bite. It is a refreshing twist on a classic dish that comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays or quick lunches.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a dream for pickle lovers because it combines the creamy texture of traditional chicken salad with the sharp, salty bite of dill pickles. It is incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it on buttery croissants, salty crackers, or even inside lettuce leaves for a lighter option. Best of all, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare if you use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, making it a stress-free addition to your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped, cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver)
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 medium sweet onion, finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup diced dill pickles (Claussen is recommended for maximum crunch)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s provides excellent flavor)
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, sweet onion, diced dill pickles, and fresh dill. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and the dill pickle juice to create a smooth, tangy dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed. Be sure to taste first, as the pickles and brine already add a significant amount of salt.
- Serve immediately as desired or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips
One of the most important things to remember when making Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is the “pickle problem.” Because pickles are full of water, the salt in the salad can draw out that moisture over time, potentially making the salad watery. If you are prepping this meal in advance, it is best to store the diced pickles separately and stir them in right before serving to maintain that perfect crunch.
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. A rich mayonnaise like Duke’s adds a creamy tang that pairs perfectly with the vinegar notes. Additionally, using refrigerated pickles rather than shelf-stable ones ensures your salad has a fresh, crisp texture that stands up to the creamy dressing.
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, sweet onion, diced dill pickles, and fresh dill. Set this mixture aside.4 cups chopped, cooked chicken, 2 ribs celery, 1/4 medium sweet onion, 1 cup diced dill pickles, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and the dill pickle juice to create a smooth, tangy dressing.3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed. Be sure to taste first, as the pickles and brine already add a significant amount of salt.Salt and pepper to taste
- Serve immediately as desired or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any kind of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Leftover baked, grilled, or poached chicken works perfectly. If you are in a rush, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is the easiest way to get this on the table fast.
Do I have to use dill pickles?
While this recipe is built around the flavor of dill, you can substitute sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift from tangy and briny to sweet and savory.
Is this recipe low carb?
This chicken salad is naturally low in carbohydrates. To keep it keto-friendly or low-carb, serve it in lettuce cups, on top of a green salad, or simply enjoy it with a fork.
What if I do not have fresh dill?
Fresh dill provides a bright punch of flavor, but dried dill is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Use about one teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill called for in the recipe. If you aren’t a fan of dill, you can leave it out entirely.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
If you want to avoid mayo, you can try using plain, full-fat Greek yogurt. This will increase the tanginess of the dish, so you might want to start with less pickle juice and adjust to your taste.