Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad – Tangy, Creamy & Packed with Bold Crunch
This Crunchy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a flavor-packed upgrade to your everyday chicken salad. Tender shredded chicken is tossed with chopped dill pickles, celery, red onion, and a creamy dressing infused with pickle juice and fresh herbs. It’s tangy, savory, and irresistibly crunchy in every bite. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, crackers, or straight from the bowl, this salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, or quick lunches with a punch of personality.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl & spatula
- Chef’s knife or food processor
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight storage container
- Optional: serving platter, lettuce leaves, sandwich bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dill pickles, diced (plus 1–2 tsp pickle juice for extra tang)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- ¼ cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh dill (or ½ tsp dried dill)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional mix-ins: diced apples, grapes, slivered almonds, walnuts
Instructions
- Cook or prep chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts and dice.
- Prep vegetables and pickles: Dice dill pickles, celery, and red onion evenly.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add chicken, pickles, celery, onion, and mayonnaise or yogurt.
- Season: Stir in dill, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to maintain crunch.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add optional mix-ins: Fold in apples, grapes, or nuts just before serving for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve: As a sandwich filling, wrap, salad topping, or appetizer with crackers.
Notes
- Add crunch last: To keep celery or nuts crisp, add just before serving.
- Flavor balance: Adjust salt, tang, and creaminess to taste; a splash of pickle juice brightens flavors.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. Avoid freezing.
- Versatility: Works in sandwiches, wraps, bowls, or as a dip for crackers or veggies.
- Healthier swaps: Use Greek yogurt for lower calories or low-sodium pickles for less salt.