Name: Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2/3 cup diced dill pickles; 1/4 cup minced red onion; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried chives; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; Croissants; Toast; Crackers

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe because it’s one of those dishes I turn to whenever I want something fresh, tangy, and ridiculously satisfying. The combination of shredded chicken with the bright bite of dill pickles and a creamy, herby dressing just hits the spot perfectly. It comes together in minutes, making it a go-to for quick lunches, easy dinners, or a crowd-pleasing picnic option. Every time I mix it up, I’m amazed by how such simple ingredients create such a flavorful and comforting salad.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

What really gets me about this salad is the balance of flavors. The dill pickles bring that signature tang and crunch that wakes up the whole dish, while the Greek yogurt and mayo add creaminess without being overly heavy. I love how the sweetness from the pickle relish plays against the sharpness of the Dijon mustard and the subtle onion bite. It’s a flavor profile that feels familiar yet delightfully fresh each time I eat it.

Another thing I appreciate is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, I can throw together a tasty, homemade salad in under 10 minutes. Seriously, whether I’m rushing through a weeknight dinner or packing lunches for the week ahead, this recipe stands out as a high-impact, low-effort option. Plus, I find it perfect for so many occasions—light lunches, potlucks, or even layered on croissants for a lovely weekend brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny, golden brown croissant, flaky and layered, is sliced open to hold a thick filling made of creamy chicken salad. The salad is mixed with white dressing and contains pale yellow pineapple chunks, light green celery pieces, and small purple onion cubes. A few black pepper specks are sprinkled on the salad, and a small sprig of green dill rests on top. The croissant sits on a smooth, white marbled surface placed on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The bright thing about this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe is that each ingredient is straightforward yet plays a crucial role in making the dish pop. From textures to flavors, they all bring something essential to the table.

Shredded cooked chicken: This is the hearty base of the salad, tender and ready to soak up all the flavors.
Diced dill pickles: Adds that signature tang and crunchy texture that I adore.
Minced red onion: Provides a sharp bite and a bit of color contrast.
Plain Greek yogurt: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang without heaviness.
Mayo: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
Sweet pickle relish: Balances the tartness with a touch of sweetness for depth.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that lightens the salad.
Dijon mustard: For a gentle kick and complexity in flavor.
Dried chives: Imparts a mild onion-like flavor that complements the fresh onion.
Dried dill: Reinforces the pickle flavor with its classic herbal note.

Directions

Step 1: Start by shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces if it’s not already shredded. A fork works perfectly for this, and it helps the chicken absorb the dressing better.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced dill pickles, and minced red onion. Toss them gently so the ingredients begin to mingle.

Step 3: In a smaller bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh parsley, dried chives, and dried dill until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold everything together gently but thoroughly. Make sure each shred of chicken is coated with that delicious creamy sauce.

Step 5: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, even a quick 5-minute rest helps, but the longer, the better.

Servings and Timing

This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for a small family lunch or a cozy get-together. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes since the chicken is already cooked and just needs shredding. There’s no actual cook time beyond that, though chilling for 15 minutes is recommended to maximize flavor. Overall, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to a beautifully balanced dish ready to enjoy.

How to Serve This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

A flaky, golden brown croissant is cut in half and filled generously with a creamy chicken salad containing small pieces of white chicken, diced green celery, and purple onion bits, all mixed in a white mayo dressing with sprinkled black pepper and fresh green dill on top. The croissant sandwich sits on a black square plate with three slices of shiny green pickles on the side and a small bunch of fresh dill next to it, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like serving this chicken salad chilled or at room temperature because it lets the flavors shine while keeping the texture nice and refreshing. One of my favorite ways is to pile it high on buttery croissants or toasted bread for a delicious sandwich. It also pairs wonderfully with crackers or crisp lettuce leaves for an easy appetizer or light meal.

When I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of green and a fresh aroma. A few thinly sliced radishes or extra dill sprigs make the presentation feel special without much effort. I love serving it alongside a green salad or some pickled veggies to complement that tangy profile further.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy cocktail pairs perfectly. On warmer days, I enjoy it with an iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. This dish is versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners or casual outdoor parties, and it always brings people together around the table.

Variations

I often tweak this recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. For instance, if you prefer a dairy-free version, swapping out the Greek yogurt and mayo for a vegan mayo and coconut yogurt can work surprisingly well without losing too much creaminess. I’ve done this when catering to vegan friends, and the salad still feels rich and flavorful.

To change the flavor profile, I sometimes add a splash of apple cider vinegar or swap dill pickles for bread-and-butter pickles to introduce a sweeter note. You can also add some chopped celery or toasted walnuts to give it extra crunch and a different texture experience. For a more herbaceous twist, fresh dill and chives can replace the dried herbs.

Cooking-wise, you could use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or even swap the shredded chicken for cooked turkey breast if you want a slightly different but equally delicious version. The salad can also be served wrapped in pita for a Mediterranean spin or stuffed into avocado halves for a low-carb treat.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I always use glass containers with tight-sealing lids because they keep the salad fresh and prevent odors from mingling with other foods. This salad will stay tasty for up to 3 days, though I find it tastes best if eaten within the first two.

Freezing

This particular salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to the yogurt and pickle relish, which can change texture after thawing. The pickles themselves lose their crunch, and the creamy dressing might separate. For the best quality, I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the texture grainy and watery. If you want a warm option, try this salad cold as a side with freshly grilled chicken or fish instead.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves prep time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred the chicken and proceed as usual. I do recommend removing the skin for a leaner salad, but it’s really up to your preference.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours or even a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a bit helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it covered tightly and give it a good stir before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the main ingredients in this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if you’re avoiding gluten completely.

Can I use regular pickles if I don’t have dill pickles?

While dill pickles provide a classic tang, you can substitute with bread-and-butter pickles or sweet pickles for a slightly different, sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind these will alter the taste profile somewhat, but it can be a tasty variation to try.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize this dish, replace the chicken with chickpeas or young jackfruit for texture, and swap the Greek yogurt and mayo with vegan alternatives. Use pickles and relishes that are free from animal products, then season with herbs and mustard as usual. It’s a fun way to get the same bright and creamy vibe in a plant-based form.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brightens up your meal routine, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful balance of tangy, creamy, and herbaceous notes that never fails to impress. I hope it becomes one of your favorite go-to recipes just like it is for me!