Get ready to fall in love with a lunch that’s vibrant, tangy, and utterly satisfying: Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad. This dish marries the zippy punch of dill pickles with juicy chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, and a hint of fresh herbs for a picnic-perfect combination. It’s the kind of classic you’ll want to keep in your weekly meal rotation, whether you’re piling it into buttery croissants or scooping it up with crunchy crackers. If you’re a dill pickle fan or just someone in search of a chicken salad upgrade, you’re in for a flavor revelation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to create a craveable meal with a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each component in this recipe is absolutely essential, bringing its own texture, brightness, or creamy richness to create the perfect bite every time. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shredded cooked chicken: Tender, juicy chicken is at the heart of this salad; rotisserie chicken works beautifully for convenience.

Diced dill pickles: These provide the signature briny crunch and unmistakable tang that make this salad so addictive.
Minced red onion: Just a quarter cup adds a snappy bite and a welcome pop of color.

Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and slightly tangy, yogurt lightens up the dressing while adding a boost of protein.
Mayonnaise: For richness and that classic chicken salad flavor, a couple of spoonfuls do the trick.

Sweet pickle relish: Balances out the savory and tangy notes with a touch of sweetness.
Fresh parsley, chopped: This brings freshness and herby complexity to every single bite.
Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon deepens the flavor and adds a gentle zing.

Dried chives: Their subtle oniony flavor rounds out the flavors without overpowering other ingredients.
Dried dill: Echoes the dill in the pickles, giving the salad a cohesive and delicious herbal note.
Croissants, toast, or crackers to serve: Choose your favorite or mix and match for delightfully different experiences.

How to Make Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—this will be your hub for flavor magic. Add in the shredded chicken, the diced dill pickles, and finely minced red onion. These three form the hearty, crunchy, and aromatic base of your Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad. Taking the time to chop everything small means you’ll get perfect flavor in every bite!

Step 2: Mix the Dressing Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayo, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, dried chives, dried dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s creamy and uniform. This is where the salad gets its luscious texture and signature tang—each spoonful of dressing balances tangy, creamy, savory, and herby notes.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients and Dressing

Pour your freshly whipped-up dressing over the chicken, pickle, and onion mixture. Add the chopped parsley on top, then use a spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together. Be sure to toss until every morsel is bathed in that glorious dressing. Now’s also the time to taste and adjust the seasoning—extra salt, pepper, or maybe even a bit more dill if you’re a die-hard fan.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is officially ready! Enjoy it mounded into buttery croissants, spooned over hearty toast, dolloped onto crisp crackers, or tucked into lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb twist. However you serve it, the flavors are bold, bright, and totally crave-worthy.

How to Serve Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a dusting of dried dill on top just before serving adds a pop of color and a burst of herby aroma. If you want to really drive home that pickle flavor, a few thinly sliced dill pickles as a garnish can be both pretty and tasty. Add a pinch of cracked black pepper or scatter microgreens for a little gourmet flair.

Side Dishes

Pair Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or a side of fresh fruit for balance. It also goes wonderfully with kettle-cooked potato chips, tangy coleslaw, or crunchy veggie sticks for a bit of extra texture at lunchtime.

Creative Ways to Present

Besides the classic sandwiches and crackers, try stuffing your chicken salad into mini bell peppers for adorable party bites, or serving it inside halved avocados for a creamy, healthy lunch. For meal prep, pack it into jars layered with greens and veggies—just shake and eat! The options for enjoying Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad are practically endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch or snack option. Stir it well before serving to reincorporate the dressing, which may settle as it sits.

Freezing

Generally, chicken salad doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy and mayo-based dressing, which can become watery or separate during thawing. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad fresh from the fridge, and skip the freezer on this one.

Reheating

Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is all about cool, refreshing flavors, so there’s really no need to reheat it. In fact, serving it chilled straight from the fridge is what makes it so crisp and inviting every time.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving favorite here. Just shred it up and you’ll get loads of flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad, and using both white and dark meat adds great depth.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes, swapping the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or additional mayo works beautifully. Just make sure to use your favorite non-dairy brand for the creamiest texture and mildest taste.

How can I make this even tangier?

For those who crave extra zing, simply add a splash of dill pickle juice to the dressing. Start with a teaspoon, mix, and taste as you go until you reach your dream level of tang.

What other herbs can I add?

If you love experimenting, try adding a bit of fresh tarragon, basil, or even a hint of mint for a unique twist. Herbs are a wonderful way to tweak this recipe so it matches your personal palate.

Can I prepare Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad ahead of a party?

Definitely! This salad is even better when made a few hours ahead—the flavors meld together beautifully. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, and give it a gentle stir before portioning out.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, fresh, and delightfully different, it’s time to give Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad a spot in your meal rotation. It’s a recipe that brings people back for seconds, and the tangy flavors always impress. Go ahead—grab those pickles, whip up this dish, and get ready to enjoy every zesty bite!

Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and tangy twist on the classic chicken salad, this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is packed with flavor from dill pickles and a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a stand-alone dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables – Begin by placing the cooked and shredded chicken, finely chopped onions, and chopped pickles into a large bowl. This will be the base of your chicken salad.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: yogurt, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, chopped chives, dill, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy dressing will add flavor and bind your chicken salad ingredients together.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients and Dressing – Add the prepared dressing to the bowl with the chicken, onions, and pickles. Use a spoon or spatula to toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste the mixture and add more salt and pepper if desired, to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy – Your chicken salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy it with toast, as a filling for sandwiches, with crackers, in lettuce cups, on top of a salad, or in any other way you like. This dish offers versatile serving options to suit your preferences.

Notes

For extra crunch, add some chopped celery or nuts.

This chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Mixing

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220 kcal

Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g

Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Chicken Salad, Dill Pickle, Lunch, Healthy, Easy