Zesty Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe: Refresh Your Lunch

I stumbled upon this incredible dill pickle chicken salad during a lazy summer afternoon with friends.

Crisp pickle bits add unexpected zesty crunch to classic comfort food.

Homemade recipes often surprise us with simple yet brilliant combinations.

Tangy pickles complement tender chicken in ways you never imagined.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy and sharp flavors.

Crunchy celery and fresh dill enhance the overall texture and taste.

Prepare to experience a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad that will become your new favorite lunch option.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken salad different from classic recipes?

The addition of dill pickles and pickle juice gives this chicken salad a tangy, zesty twist that sets it apart from traditional versions, adding an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy meal planning throughout the week.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and can save you time. Just shred or chop the chicken and follow the recipe as normal for a quick and convenient preparation.

• Is this chicken salad considered a healthy option?

This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein from chicken, probiotics from Greek yogurt, and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice when eaten in moderation.

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad That’s Tangy And Bold

• Quick Assembly Delight: Whip up this chicken salad in just 15 minutes with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a speedy meal solution.
• Flavor Explosion: Tangy dill pickle juice and fresh dill create a zesty twist on traditional chicken salad, delivering a punch of unexpected and exciting taste that elevates the classic recipe.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a sandwich filling, over crisp lettuce, on crackers, or stuffed in tomatoes – this adaptable dish works for lunch, picnics, potlucks, and quick weeknight dinners.
• Healthier Comfort Food: Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces calories compared to traditional mayo-heavy recipes, making this a guilt-free yet satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Everything Blended into Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main base of the salad, best when freshly cooked and cooled.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy protein that adds tanginess and helps bind the dressing together.

• Fresh Dill, Red Onion, Garlic Powder: Provide bright, sharp flavors that complement the pickle and chicken, with dill adding a classic herbal note.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Dill Pickle Juice, Pickles: Create a zesty, tangy profile that gives the salad its signature dill pickle flavor, with pickles adding crunch and extra pickle essence.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance all the other flavors in the salad.

• Celery: Adds crisp texture and fresh, subtle flavor to the chicken salad.

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Preparation Guide

Step 1: Chop and Prep Ingredients

Slice the chicken into bite-sized cubes.

Finely dice the celery and red onion.

Chop the dill pickles into small pieces.

Roughly chop the fresh dill for added flavor.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dill pickle juice

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Merge Chicken and Dressing

Add the chopped chicken, celery, red onion, pickles, and fresh dill to the dressing.

Gently fold and stir the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

When ready, give the salad a quick stir before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the dill pickle chicken salad onto a bed of lettuce, stuff into sandwich bread, or enjoy as a standalone dish.

Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.

Pickle Chicken Salad Prep Tips

• Choose crisp, tangy dill pickles for maximum flavor – dill pickle juice adds an extra zing to the creamy dressing.
• Dice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even seasoning and perfect texture in every spoonful.
• Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
• Replace mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based version.
• Add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds just before serving to introduce a delightful textural contrast to the creamy salad.

Keeping Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Fresh and Tangy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent the salad from absorbing other food odors.
• Keep the chicken salad cold and avoid adding extra liquid to maintain its crisp texture when storing.
• For best results, enjoy this salad cold. If needed, gently stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and restore its creamy consistency.
• Remove from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and reach a pleasant temperature.

What Matches Dill Chicken Salad

Pairing Power: Elevate Your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Serve a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy pickle and creamy dressing, cutting through the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Crunchy Sidekick Cracker Selection: Choose hearty whole grain crackers or seeded flatbreads that provide a robust texture contrast and enhance the salad's complex flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chives or additional dill on top to amplify the herbal undertones and add a vibrant green visual appeal that makes the dish pop.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Pour sparkling water with a lemon wedge to cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the salad's delightful pickle-forward taste.

Pickle Chicken Salad Mixes

• Vegan Pickle Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Crunch Bowl: Skip bread or wraps, serve the chicken salad over crisp lettuce leaves or cucumber rounds for a lighter, carb-conscious meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or additional mayonnaise to maintain creamy texture while eliminating dairy.
• Protein Power Boost: Add roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra protein and a satisfying crunch to the original recipe.

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Dill pickle chicken salad delivers a tangy twist on classic comfort food. Creamy mayo, crisp pickles, and tender chicken create a refreshing lunch that satisfies cravings and delights your palate with each savory bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) cooked chicken breast, shredded

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey mustard

Pickle and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) container Grillos Pickle de Gallo
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine shredded chicken with creamy Greek yogurt and tangy honey mustard in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a harmonious base for the salad.
2. Incorporate roughly two-thirds of the zesty Pickle de Gallo mixture into the chicken blend, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
3. Season the mixture with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently folding to integrate the seasonings thoroughly.
4. Conduct a flavor assessment, refining the taste profile by adding additional salt and pepper according to personal preference.
5. Crown the salad with the remaining vibrant Pickle de Gallo, adding a fresh and colorful garnish that enhances visual appeal and provides an extra burst of pickled complexity.
6. Present the chicken salad with versatile serving options: nestled within crisp lettuce wraps for a light approach, accompanied by crunchy potato chips for textural contrast, or embraced between slices of your preferred bread for a classic sandwich experience.

Notes

• Chop pickles uniformly to ensure balanced flavor distribution throughout the chicken salad.
• Opt for Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, reducing calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Customize the dish by using rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation or shredding freshly cooked chicken for a more homemade taste.
• Experiment with gluten-free bread or low-carb lettuce wraps to accommodate different dietary preferences and make the recipe more versatile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg