Name: Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2/3 cup diced dill pickles; 1/4 cup minced red onion; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried chives; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill; Croissants; Toast; Crackers

I absolutely love sharing this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe because it’s one of those refreshing, tangy, and downright delicious dishes that instantly brightens up any meal. What I adore most about this salad is how the dill pickles lend a zesty punch that elevates the classic chicken salad into something truly special and memorable. It’s a quick dish that I often turn to when I want a flavorful, satisfying lunch or an easy yet impressive party snack. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll agree—it’s a fresh twist on a timeless favorite!

Why You'll Love This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

When I make this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe, the first thing I notice is the perfect balance between tangy, creamy, and herbaceous flavors. The dill pickles add this delightful burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayo and Greek yogurt, making every bite lively and exciting. Plus, the combination of minced red onion and fresh parsley provides a crisp texture and fresh aroma that I find absolutely irresistible.

Besides its incredible taste, this recipe wins major points for ease of preparation. I usually have cooked chicken on hand, which makes pulling this together in about 10 minutes a breeze. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, so it’s a fantastic choice for busy days when you want something satisfying without the fuss. I love being able to whip up a delicious meal or snack quickly and confidently knowing it’ll impress.

I've served this chicken salad at everything from casual family lunches to holiday get-togethers, and it never disappoints. It stands out because it’s both comforting and unique—the dill pickles really add that signature savory twist. Whether you spread it on croissants, pile it on crackers, or tuck it into a sandwich, this salad feels like a little celebration of flavors every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with a creamy mixture made of shredded light beige chicken layered with small green celery pieces and diced pickles, all coated evenly in a white creamy sauce with flecks of black pepper and small green dill leaves scattered throughout; a wooden spoon is resting on the right rim of the bowl, slightly submerged in the mixture, and a small sprig of fresh green dill floats on top in the center; around the bowl on a white marbled surface sit sliced pickles and a green cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients I use in this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe are simple yet essential. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ideal balance of creaminess, tang, crunch, and freshness that defines the dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make it your own:

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Shredded cooked chicken: The hearty base that provides protein and a tender, juicy texture.
Diced dill pickles: Adds tangy crunch and that unmistakable dill flavor that’s the star of the salad.
Minced red onion: Offers a sharp bite and lovely subtle sweetness.
Plain Greek yogurt: Lightens the mayo and brings a creamy tanginess while keeping it healthier.
Mayo: Delivers richness and helps bind all the ingredients together with smoothness.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds a hint of sweetness and extra texture to complement the dill pickles.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the salad with a fresh, herbal note.
Dijon mustard: Packs a gentle kick that deepens the flavor profile.
Dried chives: Infuses mild onion essence without overpowering.
Dried dill: Enhances the overall dill flavor, tying the salad together perfectly.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the diced dill pickles and minced red onion. Stir gently so that the ingredients mix evenly but the chicken retains its texture.

Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayo, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, dried chives, and dried dill until smooth. This creamy mixture is where all the flavor magic happens, so take your time mixing it thoroughly.

Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly. Make sure that every bite will have that delightful balance of creamy and tangy goodness.

Step 4: Fold in the fresh chopped parsley to add a refreshing pop of color and flavor. Give the salad one final gentle stir, tasting to adjust seasonings if needed. Adding a pinch of salt or a little extra mustard can personalize it to your liking.

Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. This step is key to achieving that harmonious taste everyone will love.

Step 6: Serve the chicken salad on your favorite croissants, toasted bread, or with crackers for a delightful meal or snack.

Servings and Timing

This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe makes 4 satisfying servings—perfect for a small family lunch or to pack for weekday work meals. The prep time is merely 10 minutes since it relies on pre-cooked chicken and simple mixing, with a quick chilling of about 10 minutes to enhance the flavors. There is no cook time involved beyond prepping the ingredients, so your total time from start to finish is around 20 minutes. It’s an effortless recipe with a big payoff in taste and convenience.

How to Serve This Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe

A flaky, golden-brown croissant sliced open and filled generously with a creamy chicken salad mixture containing white chicken pieces, green celery, purple onion chunks, and fresh green dill, placed on a dark plate with a small bunch of dill on the side and several overlapping slices of green pickles next to the croissant, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this salad chilled because the cool temperature really enhances the tangy freshness of the dill pickles and herbs. It’s perfect spooned onto buttery croissants for a brunch upgrade or stacked onto crisp toast for an easy lunch that feels indulgent. Sometimes, I like pairing it with crunchy crackers or even inside lettuce cups for a light, gluten-free option that’s bursting with flavor.

For a full meal, I often serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup. The acidity in the chicken salad pairs beautifully with these fresh, light sides. When it comes to beverages, I enjoy a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon to complement the salad’s brightness without overwhelming the palate.

This salad is such a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and casual gatherings. If you’re hosting a party, try presenting the chicken salad in a fancy glass bowl garnished with extra parsley and a few pickle slices on top for a colorful, inviting touch. Portion it generously for each guest, and watch it disappear fast!

Variations

One of the things I adore about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free version, swapping the mayo and Greek yogurt for an avocado-based dressing creates a creamy yet healthier variation that still keeps that savory dill character intact.

If you want to change up the flavor profile a bit, you could add finely chopped celery for extra crunch or swap the dill pickles for bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter, tangier bite. For a smoky twist, I sometimes toss in a little smoked paprika or chopped cooked bacon to bring depth and complexity.

And if you need a vegetarian version, I’ve tried replacing the chicken with cooked chickpeas or white beans, mashed slightly but still chunky, mixing with the rest of the ingredients. While it’s not quite the same, it’s still satisfying and fresh. You could also roast or grill the chicken for a more pronounced flavor if using fresh chicken rather than pre-cooked.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, I recommend storing the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy it as a quick snack or lunch. Keeping it chilled is key to maintaining its fresh, tangy flavor and preventing the mayo and yogurt from spoiling.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this type of chicken salad because the creamy base with mayo and yogurt can separate and become watery after thawing. Freezing would compromise the texture and flavor, so I suggest preparing just what you need or saving leftovers for refrigerated consumption only.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I avoid reheating it. If you want to warm the chicken separately, you can reheat the cooked chicken before mixing with the other ingredients, then combine and chill. Reheating the entire salad will cause it to lose its fresh creaminess and the pickles to wilt, which isn’t the delicious experience I aim for.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that makes this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe even easier. Simply shred the chicken meat and you’re ready to go—no extra cooking needed.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand or prefer a dairy-free option, you can use sour cream, crème fraîche, or a vegan yogurt alternative. Just be mindful of the consistency and taste to keep the salad creamy and balanced.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This salad itself is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive folks.

Can I add other herbs to the salad?

Yes! While dill and chives are traditional and complement the pickles beautifully, you can experiment with fresh tarragon, basil, or cilantro for an interesting twist. Just add herbs sparingly so you don’t overpower the signature flavors.

How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

I find that making the chicken salad a few hours ahead or the night before helps the flavors develop wonderfully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it up.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Savory Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Recipe enough because it’s one of those rare dishes that’s both quick to make and packed with unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a tasty, satisfying meal for yourself, this salad fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try—I promise you’ll come back to it again and again!