If you’re craving something fresh, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, then this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is exactly the dish you need in your life. It combines shredded chicken with zesty dill pickles and a perfectly balanced blend of herbs and creamy dressing to create a salad bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, making a quick meal, or entertaining guests, this salad is a delightful twist on a classic, guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a breeze to whip up thanks to its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the tender shredded chicken providing hearty protein to the vibrant dill pickles adding a tangy crunch. The herbs and creamy elements marry everything together beautifully for a refreshing bite every time.

1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Choose leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for effortless shredding.
2/3 cup diced dill pickles: Pickles bring that signature tang and lively crunch to every forkful.
1/4 cup minced red onion: Adds a subtle bite and a pop of bright color.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: A creamy base that’s healthier than mayo but still rich.
2 tablespoons mayo: Blends with yogurt for perfectly smooth, indulgent texture.
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish: Introduces a touch of sweetness that balances the tang.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbaceous notes that lighten the dish.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon dried chives: Provides a mild onion-like flavor without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon dried dill: Enhances the pickle’s natural dill flavor for a fragrant finish.

How to Make Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by shredding your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. This process is key because you want the chicken to easily mingle with the other ingredients, ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of protein and flavorful mix-ins.

Step 2: Chop the Pickles and Onion

Dice the dill pickles into small, uniform pieces to make sure their tangy crunch spreads evenly throughout the salad. Mince the red onion finely so it adds just the right amount of sharpness without overwhelming the palate.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayo, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, dried chives, and dried dill. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced between tangy, savory, and slightly sweet.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Gently fold the shredded chicken, diced pickles, minced onion, and chopped parsley into the dressing. Stir carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking down the chicken too much. Your salad is almost ready!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For optimum flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to marry and the salad to firm up just enough for easy serving.

How to Serve Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of additional dried dill on top adds a burst of color and hints at the delicious flavors inside. A little twist of lemon zest can also brighten it up wonderfully if you want to experiment.

Side Dishes

This salad shines served alongside crisp croissants, toasted slices of artisan bread, or crunchy crackers. Each base offers a different texture and helps you enjoy the salad in new, fun ways. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light vegetable soup on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level by serving the Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad in cucumber cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for an eye-catching appetizer. You can also pile it high on an open-faced sandwich with sliced avocado and radishes for an elevated lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy meals throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken salad isn’t recommended since the creamy yogurt and mayo base can separate and become watery when thawed, which affects the texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to warm it slightly, consider serving it over hot toast or inside a warm pita instead.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pickles?

Absolutely! While dill pickles are classic here, bread and butter pickles or even spicy pickles can lend different but delicious flavors to the salad.

Is Greek yogurt necessary?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories and more protein, but if you don’t have it, sour cream or regular yogurt can be substituted with good results.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for chickpeas or a plant-based chicken substitute, and use vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives to enjoy a vegan version of the salad.

How long does this chicken salad keep its best flavor?

The salad tastes best within 2 to 3 days of making it. Beyond that, the texture can change and the pickles may overwhelm the other flavors.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

Using two forks to pull apart warm cooked chicken is a tried-and-true method, or popping it into a stand mixer on low speed for a few seconds can be a huge time saver.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad. It’s a wonderful balance of creamy and tangy with herbs that keep things fresh—perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this fantastic salad as much as I do. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!