Zesty Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 cup dill pickles, diced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

February 14, 2026

Updated:

February 14, 2026

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The moment you take a bite of dill pickle chicken salad, you’ll be transported to a world where crunchy pickles and tender chicken dance in perfect harmony. The tangy zing of dill pickles combined with creamy dressing creates a flavor explosion that sings in your mouth like a Broadway musical. Picture yourself at a summer picnic, the sun shining down as you dig into this delightful bowl of goodness, each spoonful bursting with freshness and joy.

This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the smell of delicious food. I can still hear my cousin’s goofy pickle jokes while we all devoured heaping servings of this salad. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend lunch or an exciting potluck, dill pickle chicken salad is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug that makes every occasion just a little bit better.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dill pickle chicken salad is quick to whip up, making meal prep easy-peasy

The bright flavors keep everyone coming back for more
It’s visually appealing, showcasing vibrant greens and whites that brighten any table
Versatile enough to serve on its own or as a sandwich filling, this dish adapts to your cravings effortlessly

Sharing this recipe at my last family reunion led to rave reviews and even some secret recipe requests from relatives.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for ample servings; feel free to adjust based on your guest list.
Dill Pickles: Opt for crunchy pickles; they add zest and texture that elevate the whole dish.
Mayonnaise: Choose your favorite brand; it’s the creamy base that brings everything together beautifully.

Greek Yogurt: Replace some mayo with Greek yogurt for added creaminess and a healthier twist.
Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon adds depth; choose smooth or grainy based on your taste preference.
Fresh Dill: Use fresh dill if possible; it infuses an aromatic flavor that dried herbs just can’t match.

Celery Stalks: Diced celery gives crunch; look for firm stalks that snap when broken.
Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds sweetness and color; soak in cold water first to mellow its sharpness.
Salt and Pepper: Season generously to enhance all those vibrant flavors—taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Chicken: Begin by poaching the boneless chicken breasts in simmering water for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through. You want them tender but not dry.

Shred the Chicken: After cooling slightly, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Enjoy the satisfying sound as you shred it apart—bonus points if you sing while doing so!

Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and fresh dill until creamy and well-combined. Take a moment to appreciate how good that looks.

Add Veggies and Pickles: Toss in finely chopped celery, red onion, and diced dill pickles into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until all ingredients are coated—this is where magic happens!

Combine Everything Together: Fold in the shredded chicken gently so it mixes without turning mushy. Taste test here—feel free to adjust seasonings based on personal preference.

Chill Before Serving: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully; patience may be required here!

Now all that’s left is serving this delightful dill pickle chicken salad either on a bed of lettuce or nestled between two slices of bread with extra pickles on top for good measure! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

You Must Know

This dill pickle chicken salad brings a delightful crunch and tangy flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish

The blend of creamy dressing with zesty pickles will transport your taste buds to a picnic in the sun

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by poaching the chicken until it’s fully cooked, then let it cool before shredding. While the chicken cools, chop your pickles and other ingredients to save time and ensure a perfect blend.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference. Try adding diced celery for extra crunch or swapping Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store your dill pickle chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, enjoy it cold without reheating.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When making dill pickle chicken salad, always use freshly cooked chicken for best texture
Experiment with different types of pickles like spicy or sweet for unique flavors that stand out at any gathering

Remember to season the salad well to elevate all the flavors!

It’s funny how food can bring back memories. I once made this dill pickle chicken salad for a family picnic, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” Who knew crunch and tang could spark such joy?

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves preparation time.

What if I don’t like dill pickles?

You can substitute with sweet pickles or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-packed twist.

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