If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad, the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant dish brings together tender shredded chicken, the tangy crunch of dill pickles, and a creamy, zesty dressing that perfectly balances flavors. It’s easy to make, packed with personality, and guaranteed to become a favorite for quick lunches, picnic gatherings, or an exciting snack any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe starts with simple, everyday ingredients that pack a flavorful punch and bring a wonderful variety of textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creaminess of the cheese to the tangy brightness of the pickles and dill.
- 4 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken: The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup diced dill pickles: Adds that iconic tangy crunch that makes this salad sing.
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions: For a fresh, mild sharpness that brightens every bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings luscious creaminess and richness to the dressing.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds smooth texture and enhances the flavor meld.
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice: Infuses even more pickle tang and balances the creaminess.
- ¾ teaspoon dried dill: Intensifies the signature dill flavor with herbal notes.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle savory depth without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, rounding out the taste profile.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth to the mix.
How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Chicken and Veggies
Start by tossing together the shredded chicken, diced dill pickles, and sliced green onions in a large bowl. Mixing gently ensures everything is evenly distributed without mashing the pickles, preserving that satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, stir the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise and dill pickle juice until creamy and smooth. Then, sprinkle in the dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful dressing is what gives the Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe its irresistible tang and richness.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour your creamy dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until each piece is coated beautifully. This step guarantees every forkful bursts with bright, balanced flavor.
Step 4: Let It Chill
Cover your salad and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours—the extra wait allows the flavors to meld and intensify. If you’re in a hurry, an hour will do, but the longer it sits, the better it tastes!
Step 5: Ready to Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the salad onto soft croissants, sandwich rolls, or use it as a crunchy topping over fresh, crisp lettuce leaves. Each presentation offers a unique texture and eating experience that complements the salad perfectly.
Step 6: Store Leftovers Properly
To keep your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe fresh and delicious, transfer any leftovers to a covered container and refrigerate. It will stay tasty for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick snacks.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Thinly sliced radishes or extra green onions on top can also provide a delightful crunch and vibrant visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light sides like crunchy celery sticks, crispy potato chips, or a simple green salad to keep the meal balanced. For something heartier, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables or your favorite soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe beyond the basics by stuffing it into pita pockets, layering it in a wrap, or serving it on crackers for a fun party appetizer. You could even shape it into mini salad-stuffed avocados for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to blend and develop, and it should keep well for about three days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe because the cream cheese and mayonnaise-based dressing can separate when thawed, affecting the texture and taste.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out of the fridge for a few minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds a wonderfully savory flavor, making your Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe even easier to prepare.
What if I don’t have dill pickle juice?
If you’re out of pickle juice, a splash of lemon juice or extra mayonnaise can work, but the unique tang of pickle juice really makes this recipe stand out.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise?
You can, but keep in mind Greek yogurt will give the salad a lighter texture and a slight tang, which some might love! Just adjust the amount to keep your dressing creamy.
Is this salad low-carb?
Yes! This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for low-carb or keto diets.
How long can I keep the salad in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to three days without losing its delicious taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s perfect for anyone who loves creamy textures with a tangy twist and is looking for a crowd-pleaser to brighten up their meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
Print
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over lettuce. Made with shredded cooked chicken, dill pickles, and a zesty cream cheese-based dressing infused with dill pickle juice and dried dill, this salad is a quick and satisfying meal or snack option.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
Dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- ¾ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Chicken Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded or chopped cooked chicken with the diced dill pickles and sliced green onions. Mix gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed without mashing the pickles.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise and dill pickle juice. Stir in dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.
- Mix Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until all pieces of chicken and pickles are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. If short on time, refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
- Serve: Scoop the chilled chicken salad onto croissants, sandwich rolls, or crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, tasty meal.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or leftover chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of dill pickle juice depending on your preferred tanginess.
- Feel free to add celery or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
- This salad is best consumed within 3 days of preparation.
