This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a tangy, protein-packed twist on a classic. If you’re a pickle lover, this salad was made for you—loaded with chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and green onions, all tossed in a creamy mayo and Dijon mustard dressing. It’s versatile enough to serve as a sandwich filling, lettuce wrap, or snack with crackers or veggies. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or picnics.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie or homemade like dill pickle grilled chicken)

• Mayonnaise (full-fat or light; avoid Miracle Whip)

• Dijon mustard

• Fresh dill, chopped

• Green onion, diced

• Dill pickles, chopped (or use spicy or sweet varieties for a twist)

Optional Add-ins:

• Diced cucumbers

• Red onion

• Celery

Directions

1. Prepare your cooked chicken by cubing or shredding it to your desired texture.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.

3. Add in the chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and green onion. Stir to combine.

4. Fold in the chicken, mixing until everything is evenly coated.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (you likely won’t need salt due to the pickles).

6. Chill before serving for best flavor. Serve in sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers.

Nutrients (estimated per 1 cup serving)

• Calories: ~280

• Protein: ~26g

• Fat: ~18g

• Carbohydrates: ~3g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Sugar: ~1g

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad

Here’s why this dill pickle version stands out from the crowd:

• Packed with bold, briny flavor—perfect for anyone who loves pickles

• High in protein with simple ingredients and no fillers

• Super customizable—use spicy pickles, red onions, or cucumbers for a twist

• Low-carb and gluten-free, great for a variety of eating styles

• Meal prep friendly—tastes even better after chilling

• Works well as a sandwich filling, dip, or salad topper

It’s comfort food with an edge—bright, tangy, and deliciously creamy with minimal effort required.

Flavor and Texture Breakdown

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad delivers rich creaminess with a punch of acid and freshness. Each bite balances:

• Tender chicken—shredded or cubed for hearty texture

• Creamy mayonnaise and Dijon—classic, with a slight tang and spice

• Crisp chopped pickles—bringing briny flavor and crunch

• Fresh dill and green onions—adding herbal brightness and zip

• Optional add-ins like celery, cucumber, or red onion make it even more dynamic

This salad hits all the key elements of a satisfying bite: moist, crunchy, herby, and bold.

Tips for Making the Best Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for ease and flavor

• Shred the chicken for a more cohesive texture, or cube it for chunkier bites

• Chop the pickles finely if you want more even pickle flavor throughout

• If using spicy or sweet pickles, adjust the mustard or add extra herbs to balance

• Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld beautifully

• Add a small splash of pickle juice if you want an even bolder tang

For best results, use full-fat mayo (or a high-quality light version), and avoid Miracle Whip, which is sweeter and changes the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is incredibly adaptable. Try serving it:

• On toasted sourdough, multigrain, or brioche buns

• Wrapped in butter lettuce leaves or collard greens for a low-carb option

• As a topping for cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks

• Over a bed of greens or quinoa for a complete meal

• As a dip with crackers, pita chips, or cheese crisps

It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or tortillas, or a high-protein side to pair with soup or roasted veggies.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is a perfect meal-prep option, storing beautifully for several days:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

• Stir before serving if any separation occurs

• Avoid freezing—mayonnaise-based dressings tend to break when thawed

Make it ahead for work lunches, road trip snacks, or easy dinners, and enjoy a chilled, protein-packed option any time.

Creative Variations

While the core recipe is crave-worthy, you can also customize it with:

Spicy Pickle Chicken Salad
– Use spicy dill pickles or add a spoonful of sriracha or hot sauce
– Garnish with chopped pickled jalapeños or pepperoncini

Creamy Ranch Pickle Chicken Salad
– Replace half the mayo with ranch dressing
– Add shredded cheddar and chopped bacon for a club-style twist

Avocado Dill Chicken Salad
– Mix in mashed avocado or swap part of the mayo with Greek yogurt and avocado
– Add lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh twist

Sweet & Savory Version
– Use bread and butter pickles and add a small handful of dried cranberries or apple cubes
– Garnish with crushed pecans or walnuts

These variations keep the recipe fun, flexible, and suitable for every season.

Health and Nutritional Highlights

This chicken salad is not only flavorful—it’s also nutrient-dense and balanced:

• ~280 calories per 1-cup serving, with 26g of lean protein

• Low in carbs (~3g), making it ideal for keto and low-carb diets

• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from dill, onions, and pickles

• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free or Whole30 compliant (with approved mayo)

To reduce fat or calories, simply use a light mayo or mix with plain Greek yogurt. Want even more crunch? Add diced cucumber or celery without changing the calorie count much.

Conclusion

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad is proof that a handful of bold, fresh ingredients can completely transform a humble classic. With its creamy dressing, punchy dill flavor, and crunchy texture, it’s a high-protein, low-effort meal that’s anything but boring. Whether you’re packing lunch, planning a picnic, or just in the mood for something tangy and satisfying, this salad fits the bill.

Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and even better the next day, it’s a refrigerator staple that belongs on your regular recipe rotation—especially if you’re a pickle enthusiast.