Dill Pickle Chicken Salad – Creamy, Crunchy, and Loaded with Flavor!
If you’re a pickle lover, buckle up—this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession! Juicy shredded chicken, crunchy dill pickles, and fresh green onions, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing with a hint of garlic and dill. It’s bold, fresh, and ridiculously easy to make—perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or a low-carb lettuce wrap.
The best part? No fancy ingredients required—just simple, everyday staples that come together in minutes. And trust me, letting this salad chill for a couple of hours makes it even better. (If you can wait that long!)
So grab a croissant, a roll, or a spoon (no judgment here), and dig in—because this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
- For pickle lovers: Crunchy dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice in every bite.
- Extra creamy: Cream cheese and mayo make a thick, tangy dressing.
- No cooking required: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Great for meal prep: It tastes even better after chilling.
- Low-carb friendly: Serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter lunch.
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie, leftover roast chicken or poached chicken all work. Shred or chop it into small pieces.
- Dill pickles: Dice them small so you get pickle in every bite. Pat them dry so the salad doesn’t get watery.
- Cream cheese: Soften it first so the dressing whisks smooth.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess. Greek yogurt can replace it for a lighter version (see the tips below).
- Pickle juice: A spoonful from the jar adds extra tang.
- Dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that make the pickle flavor shine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
1. Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced dill pickles and sliced green onions.
2. Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pickle juice, dried dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth. Whisking the dressing separately means no lumps of cream cheese in the salad.
3. Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors come together.
4. Serve
Serve chilled on croissants, rolls, tortillas or in lettuce wraps.
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup diced dill pickles
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
Creamy Dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp dill pickle juice (from the jar)
- ¾ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad:In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced dill pickles, and sliced green onions.
- Make the Dressing:In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill pickle juice, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine & Chill:Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve & Enjoy:Serve chilled on croissants, rolls, tortillas, or inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Tips & Variations
- Lower Fat Option: Use light cream cheese, light mayo, or substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayo (this may slightly alter the taste).
- Adjust Seasoning: If using rotisserie chicken, adjust salt and pepper to taste based on its seasoning.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Microwave cream cheese for about 25 seconds until just softened (not melted) for easier mixing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: It won’t blend smoothly. Soften it first.
- Skipping the chill time: Two hours in the fridge makes a big difference to the flavor.
- Wet pickles: Pat diced pickles dry so the salad stays creamy, not watery.
- Over-salting: Pickles are salty, so taste before adding more salt.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Pile it onto croissants or rolls, wrap it in tortillas, or scoop it into lettuce cups. A few easy sides from the site:
- Something fresh: Cucumber Tomato Salad.
- Something crunchy: Crunchy Broccoli Salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect and saves time.
How long does it keep?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make it lighter?
Use light cream cheese and light mayo, or swap the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. The flavor will change slightly.
Do I have to use the pickle juice?
It’s only a tablespoon, but it adds a lot of tangy pickle flavor, so it’s worth including.
Can I add more crunch?
Diced celery or red onion are easy additions.
This dill pickle chicken salad is creamy, crunchy and packed with tangy pickle flavor. It’s an easy make-ahead lunch that pickle lovers will want on repeat.
Let us know in the comments how you like to serve it!
