If you’re a dill pickle lover who also craves a fresh, crisp, and protein-packed lunch, Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession. This tangy, creamy classic brings together tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and zippy dill pickles in the most satisfying way. Every forkful offers a burst of savory flavor with just enough zing to make lunch exciting again. Whether tucked into a sandwich, served atop a salad, or scooped up with crackers, Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is that perfect blend of comfort and punchy flavor you’ll want to make on repeat.

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad recipe is thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor and crunch. These humble but essential building blocks each play a starring role, contributing color, tang, and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why you’ll love it:

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): Juicy, neutral protein that’s the hearty base for all those bold flavors to shine.
Dill pickle (1 cup, diced): Adds that signature tangy crunch, infusing every bite with bright, unmistakable flavor.
Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Classic salad crispness and a mild flavor that balances the briny, tangy ingredients.
Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): For a mild bite and a pop of color. Tip: Soak in cold water to mellow the flavor if desired.
Green onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Brings a fresh, herbal note without overpowering the salad. You can mix and match with red onion as you like.
Dill (1 tablespoon chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried): This fresh herb gives a fragrant boost that makes the salad sing.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Provides creamy richness and ties all the flavors together. Use full-fat for the best texture.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Lightens the dressing and adds just a touch of tang. Greek yogurt also works!
Dill pickle juice (1 tablespoon): The not-so-secret ingredient for an extra wave of pickle goodness and tangy punch.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings depth, zing, and a touch of gourmet flair to your salad.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to sharpen all the flavors without overpowering the star ingredients.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Main Ingredients

Start by gathering your cooked chicken, dill pickles, celery, red onion, green onion, and fresh dill. Chop and dice everything so it’s ready to toss together, ensuring you have bite-sized, evenly sized pieces for the best texture in every spoonful.

Step 2: Mix the Vegetable and Chicken Base

Combine the chicken, diced pickles, celery, both types of onion, and dill in a large mixing bowl. Give it all a gentle toss so the crisp veggies, briny pickles, and fresh dill are evenly distributed. This colorful mixture is already irresistible — but just wait for the dressing!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dill Pickle Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper. The creamy, tangy dressing should come together smoothly, ready to coat every morsel with flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over your chicken and veggie mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated, making sure the dressing hugs all the nooks and crannies. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — a little extra pickle juice or dill never hurts!

Step 5: Chill (Optional) and Serve

For the very best Dill Pickle Chicken Salad, cover and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This lets those sharp, tangy flavors mingle and develop. But if you can’t wait, go ahead and dig in right away!

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A handful of extra chopped dill, a few thin slices of pickle, or a scattering of finely sliced green onion tops give this salad an eye-catching, fresh finish and bump up the aromatic flavors with very little effort.

Side Dishes

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs effortlessly with so many sides. Try serving it alongside kettle-cooked chips, a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or even some warm pita or rustic bread for scooping. Anything with crunch and freshness will complement the salad beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining (or just want lunch to feel special!), stuff your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad into lettuce cups, pile it onto toasted sourdough, or spoon it into sturdy hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados. It’s equally at home as a party dip with crackers or as a filling for wraps and croissants.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even better overnight, and the veggies tend to stay crisp as long as you use fresh ingredients and avoid overmixing before serving.

Freezing

While some chicken salads can hold up to freezing, the creamy elements and fresh veggies in this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad don’t always thaw gracefully. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can lead to a watery, separated texture.

Reheating

This is a cold salad meant to be savored straight from the fridge, so there’s no need to reheat! If you’d like it at room temperature, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the flavor at your preferred stage of chill.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time, while canned chicken is a fantastic pantry-friendly swap. Just drain well and break it up into bite-sized pieces before using.

How do I make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad lighter?

For a lighter take, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream. The texture stays creamy, and you’ll add a bit of tang and protein too.

Can I add other veggies or mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped bell pepper, shredded carrots, or even a handful of sliced almonds can add extra color, crunch, and nutrition. Feel free to customize the salad to suit your taste and fridge contents.

Is it kid-friendly?

Surprisingly, yes! The mild chicken and creamy dressing make it approachable, and kids who like pickles will love this. Try serving it as a dip with crackers or rolled up in a tortilla for little hands.

What’s the best way to dice dill pickles for Dill Pickle Chicken Salad?

Slice the pickles lengthwise into thin strips, then dice crosswise for small, even cubes. This ensures you get pops of pickle in every bite without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a lunch or party dish that’s bursting with personality, Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is truly a must-make. Its tangy, herby, satisfying bite has a way of winning everyone over (pickle enthusiasts and skeptics alike). Give it a try and see how easily it could become your new favorite!