Dill Pickle Chicken Salad: Irresistible 15-Minute Win

Name: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced; 2/3 cup dill pickles, diced; 1 teaspoon dried chives; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you love big flavor with very little effort, this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is about to become your new refrigerator MVP. It’s tangy, creamy, crunchy, and downright comforting—the kind of recipe that saves dinner on busy weekdays and feels special enough for weekend lunches.

I created this one on a week when my to-do list was longer than my patience (you’ve been there, right?). I needed something fast, filling, and not boring. Enter dill pickles—bold, briny, and totally capable of waking up plain chicken. One bowl, one quick stir, and suddenly lunch felt exciting again.

This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad comes together in about 15 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and doesn’t require turning on the stove. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding picky eaters, or just craving something cozy-but-fresh, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Let me count the ways—because there are plenty.

Fast & fuss-free: No cooking required if you already have chicken on hand.
Big flavor, simple ingredients: Dill pickles do the heavy lifting here.
Light but satisfying: Thanks to Greek yogurt and just enough mayo.
Versatile: Sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, crackers—you name it.
Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better after a little fridge time.

If you’re a pickle lover, this salad is basically your love language in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Salad

1.5 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
2/3 cup dill pickles, diced

For the Creamy Dill Dressing

1 teaspoon dried chives
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (highly recommended for flavor)
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (I love using Hellmann’s for its classic flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste

These are everyday ingredients, but when they come together? Magic.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Salad (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your shredded chicken, minced red onion, and diced dill pickles. This is the hearty base of your salad, so make sure everything is chopped small enough to mix evenly.

Tip: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here—and saves time.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, dried chives, dried dill, and fresh parsley. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

This dressing is creamy, tangy, and packed with herby goodness. Give it a taste—you might find yourself “testing” it more than once.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated and the pickles are evenly distributed.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra pepper never hurts.

Step 4: Serve It Your Way

That’s it—you’re done! Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. This salad is incredibly flexible and plays well with just about anything.

Close-up of creamy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad with fresh dill — A close-up look at Dill Pickle Chicken Salad loaded with juicy chicken, crunchy pickles, and fresh dill.

My Favorite Ways to Serve It

One of the best things about Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is how many ways you can enjoy it:

Classic sandwich on toasted bread or a croissant
Low-carb lettuce cups for a lighter option
With crackers for an easy snack plate
Stuffed in a wrap with spinach or arugula
Scooped onto a green salad for extra protein

Basically, if you can scoop it, spread it, or stuff it—this salad’s in.

Helpful Tips for the Best Flavor

Chill before serving: Even 30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld.
Too thick? Add a teaspoon of pickle juice or a splash of milk.
Not tangy enough? A bit more Dijon or chopped pickles will fix that.
Love crunch? Add diced celery or extra red onion.
Feeding kids? Chop everything extra fine for a smoother texture.

And remember—if your sauce looks a little thick, that’s not a problem. That’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen

This recipe has rescued me more times than I can count—especially during those weeks when lunch feels like an afterthought. I’ll make a batch on Sunday, tuck it into the fridge, and suddenly I have grab-and-go meals that feel homemade and satisfying.

It’s also one of those dishes that makes people ask, “What’s in this?” after the first bite. (Spoiler: pickles. Always pickles.)

FAQs About Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes! Just drain it well and shred it with a fork. Freshly cooked chicken has better texture, but canned works in a pinch.

How long does this keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative and use all mayo instead.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge.

Can I add eggs or bacon?

Yes and yes. Chopped hard-boiled eggs or crispy bacon bits are delicious add-ins.

A Cozy Favorite Worth Repeating

There’s something deeply comforting about a recipe that’s this easy and this flavorful. Dill Pickle Chicken Salad proves that simple ingredients can still feel exciting—and that busy days don’t have to mean boring meals.

Whether you’re packing lunches, planning a quick dinner, or just craving something creamy and tangy, this recipe is here to make life a little easier—and a lot tastier.

If you give it a try, don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

Keep the Pickle Love Going

If this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad made you smile, there are so many cozy, flavorful ways to keep that happy kitchen feeling going. For a slightly different spin on the same tangy classic, this dill pickle chicken salad with a fresh, modern twist is a fun one to explore when you’re craving something familiar but new.

For another chilled, make-ahead lunch that’s just as satisfying, this Asian chicken cranberry salad packed with bold flavor is perfect for busy weeks.
If you’re balancing lighter meals with something warm and comforting, this creamy crockpot chicken corn chowder feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Need an easy handheld option for lunches or quick dinners? These buffalo chicken Caesar salad wraps with big flavor are always a win.
And if dill pickles are officially your love language, this dill pickle parmesan chicken baked until golden brings that tangy goodness straight to the dinner table.

Whether you’re planning ahead or just browsing for your next craving, these recipes keep things simple, comforting, and full of flavor—just the way we like it.