Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is the ultimate blend of creamy and crunchy, tangy and savory. It’s a quick, no-cook meal that’s full of protein and bright, satisfying flavor. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or easy lunches—and it only gets better as it chills. The dill pickles and herbs make it uniquely flavorful, while the crisp celery and onion give it that irresistible texture.
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Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad – Tangy, Creamy, and Perfectly Refreshing
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a zesty and refreshing twist on the classic chicken salad — packed with tender shredded chicken, crunchy dill pickles, crisp celery, and a tangy creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 3/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped pickles, celery, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more pickle juice for extra tanginess.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled on toasted bread, croissants, wraps, or over a bed of lettuce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, stir in a handful of crushed kettle chips or chopped almonds just before serving.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad / Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken – Shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.
Dill pickles – The star ingredient that gives the salad its tangy crunch; use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
Pickle juice – Adds brightness and acidity to the creamy dressing.
Celery – Adds a fresh, crisp texture that complements the chicken.
Red onion or green onion – For a mild bite and extra crunch.
Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties all the flavors together.
Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy depth that balances the mayo and pickles.
Fresh dill – Provides that signature herbaceous flavor; dried dill works in a pinch.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Paprika (optional) – Adds a hint of warmth and color to the finished dish.
Chopped hard-boiled eggs (optional) – For extra protein and richness if you want a heartier version.
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped pickles, celery, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, chopped dill, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more pickle juice or dill as desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled on sandwiches, croissants, lettuce wraps, or over mixed greens.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle slightly. This dish is best served cold—avoid reheating to maintain freshness and texture.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad – Add diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or spicy pickles for a kick.
Avocado Dill Salad – Replace half the mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy, green twist.
Greek Yogurt Version – Substitute half or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Bacon Lover’s Edition – Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor and extra crunch.
Sweet and Tangy Blend – Add a spoonful of relish or a pinch of sugar for balance.
Extra-Crunch Version – Mix in chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, or crispy fried onions for texture.
Egg Salad Hybrid – Add diced hard-boiled eggs for a protein-packed variation.
Herb Garden Style – Mix in parsley, chives, or tarragon for extra freshness.
Buffalo Pickle Twist – Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a bold, spicy flavor.
Low-Carb Lettuce Cups – Serve the salad inside crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly meal.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, just drain it well and shred it before mixing—it works in a pinch.
What type of pickles work best?
Kosher dill or garlic dill pickles offer the best tangy flavor. Avoid sweet pickles for this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
No, the mayo-based dressing doesn’t freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
Yes, but it will add a slightly sweeter flavor to the salad.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free mayo or avocado-based dressing.
Can I add cheese?
Yes! Shredded cheddar or Swiss adds richness and pairs well with pickles.
How do I prevent it from getting watery?
Pat the pickles dry before chopping and adding them to the salad.
What’s the best bread to serve it on?
Croissants, brioche buns, or toasted sourdough are all delicious options.
Can I use fresh cucumbers instead of pickles?
You can, but you’ll miss the tangy flavor—add a little extra vinegar to the dressing to compensate.
Conclusion
The Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is everything you want in a refreshing, satisfying meal—creamy, tangy, and full of texture. It’s quick to make, keeps beautifully in the fridge, and is endlessly customizable. Whether you pile it high on a buttery croissant or scoop it into crisp lettuce wraps, every bite bursts with that signature pickle flavor and the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy goodness.
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